Housing Minister M.H. Ambareesh’s comments praising an IAS officer for being “good-looking” have drawn criticism.

The Minister was speaking at an exhibition of science models, jointly organised by the Education Department and Mandya Zilla Panchayat, at a private school here on Saturday.

Referring to Chief Executive Officer of the zilla panchayat Rohini Sindhuri, Mr. Ambareesh said: “Our [Mandya] CEO is fair [bellagiddare] and good looking [chennagiddare].”

While his supporters burst into laughter, parents and teachers appeared embarrassed. Ms. Sindhuri also seemed flustered by the comments.

Many of the teachers, who did not want to be named, said that they were perturbed by the “unnecessary and out-of-context” remarks.

However, Mr. Ambareesh soon realised the situation and tried to cover up by saying “Ms. Sindhuri will do good for the district”.

Mandya City Municipal Council president B. Siddaraju, Deputy Director of Public Instruction M.D. Shivakumar, teachers, students and their parents as well as Mr. Ambareesh’s supporters were present.