Fake marksheet row: Will quit if charges are proven, says Ram Shankar Katheria

New Delhi: Under attack for allegedly forging his graduation marksheet, Union minister of state for HRD Ram Shankar Katheria offered to resign if proved guilty even as Opposition parties stepped up their tirade against him.

Congress and BSP attacked him over the controversy while BJP defended him saying he is a victim of "political vendetta" and the matter dates back to the BSP government in Uttar Pradesh.

"I can say if it is proved that there is any forgery in my marksheet, not only will I resign from the post of minister but also as an MP," he said.

A case was filed in 2010 against Katheria in Allahabad high court by his rival BSP candidate charging him with forging his marksheet. The court has, however, referred the matter to the sessions court in Agra, which will hear it on November 26.

Congress mocked at and targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the row involving the minister saying the "master" does not seem to be in control.

Linking the issue to an earlier controversy about HRD minister Smriti Irani's educational qualifications, Congress spokesperson Salman Khurshid sarcastically said, "There is something called a talent pool and one picks people for a particular job, the best suited candidate is chosen. In this case, it seems those who have maximum human resources have been picked for the job."

Asked if it amounted to a criminal offence, Khurshid said, "If he (Modi) listens to me, I should certainly demand but I have a sinking feeling that he will not listen." He also demanded an answer from the Prime Minister on the issue.