Daijiworld Media Network - Mysuru
Mysuru, April 8: Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, on Monday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing in reforms that, according to him, have ensured that Muslims in India live peacefully and happily.
Joshi made these comments while addressing a large gathering after flagging off the BJP’s statewide Janakrosh Yatra in Mysuru. The Yatra, which aims to protest against the Karnataka government’s price hike policies, marks the start of a series of protests led by the party.
Joshi emphasised that Muslims across the nation are living in peace under the reforms brought in by Prime Minister Modi. "Even in Jammu and Kashmir, Muslims are now living peacefully after the abrogation of Article 370, a move that Congress cannot tolerate," he said.
The Union Minister also took the opportunity to clarify that the recently passed Waqf Amendment Act would not harm any mosques or dargahs. Instead, he explained, the Act would repeal Section 40 to prevent the illegal acquisition of Waqf properties.
The changes are aimed at ensuring transparency in administration and extending benefits to poor Muslims. Joshi asserted that these reforms, which were passed by Parliament, would be implemented regardless of who is in power, adding, “Even if Congress’ forefathers return to power, the Waqf reforms will remain.”
The minister went on to criticise the Congress party, accusing it of spreading lies about the Waqf Amendment Act. He referred to Congress leaders' earlier warnings of violence if the government abolished Triple Talaq or repealed Article 370. "Now they are misleading Muslims by falsely claiming that the Waqf Amendment Act targets mosques and dargahs," Joshi said.
Turning his attention to the Congress-led government in Karnataka, Joshi expressed strong criticism, particularly over the state’s rising fees and taxes. He noted that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who boasts of having presented the state budget 16 times, had now made history by raising prices on 48 essential items. These price hikes included increases in milk, petrol, diesel, electricity, property registration, stamp duties, water taxes, bus and metro fares, hospital bills, and more.
“The Congress government, which came to power with promises of guarantees, is now collecting Rs 70,000 to Rs 75,000 crore from the public through higher taxes and charges,” Joshi said. He pointed out that while the government claims to be spending Rs 50,000 crore on guarantees, in reality, it is not implementing the schemes effectively and is instead extracting double that amount from the people.
The BJP leader concluded by labelling the Congress government in Karnataka as corrupt and exploitative, accusing it of looting the public by increasing the cost of almost every essential service.