Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, May 16: Lakshmi Hebbalkar, minister for women and child development and Udupi district in-charge minister, on Friday criticised the BJP-led central government over the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices, questioning why the public is repeatedly asked to make sacrifices while the Centre fails to explain the measures it has taken to handle the situation.
The minister said people have always cooperated with the Centre whenever Prime Minister Narendra Modi made appeals in the national interest.
“When Prime Minister Modi asks people to ring bells, we do it. When he asks us to clap, we comply. If he says reduce petrol and diesel consumption, we follow it. If he says don’t buy gold, we stop buying it. People are willing to make sacrifices for the country. But who is responsible for creating such a situation in the first place?” she questioned.
Hebbalkar further said the Centre has been continuously asking citizens to follow restrictions and advisories, but the government must also explain what precautionary steps it has taken. Referring to recent remarks about avoiding gold purchases, she alleged that the prime minister appeared to be under pressure from the United States and claimed that international media discussions reflected this.
Criticising the recent fuel price hike, she accused the BJP-led Central Government of playing politics. “Immediately after elections, petrol and diesel prices were increased by Rs 3. International crude oil prices have not risen significantly now. During the tenure of former prime minister Manmohan Singh, crude oil prices had risen sharply, but people were not burdened in this manner,” she said.
Responding to questions on the hijab controversy, Hebbalkar said politics should never be brought into education. She stressed that students are innocent and parents send them to schools for learning and a better future.
“We should create a healthy environment keeping students’ future in mind. Their future should not become a political playground. I do not want to comment specifically on hijab or any other issue, but political decisions must prioritise children’s future,” she stated.
On speculation regarding a possible change in the chief minister and cabinet expansion in Karnataka, the minister said such decisions rest entirely with the party high command and added that party members would abide by its directions.
Addressing allegations that money was collected from anganwadis in Bagalkote district, Hebbalkar denied the accusations and assured strict action if any wrongdoing was found. “No money has been collected from anganwadis. If anyone has done so, action will be taken without hesitation and an investigation will be conducted,” she said.