Former education minister and BJP MLC A H Vishwanath on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Karnataka state government and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accusing the administration of diverting public attention with issues like hijab and religion while ignoring the deterioration of education and the welfare of youth in the state.
Hijab Controversy Questioned
Addressing reporters, Vishwanath questioned the necessity of creating controversy among students over religious issues. "Did anybody ask for hijab? Why is the government creating new controversies? Why create Hindu-Muslim divisions among students? This is not fair," he said, emphasizing that such issues only serve to distract from more pressing concerns.
Criticism of Guarantee Schemes
Vishwanath also criticized the government's guarantee schemes, alleging that prices of essential commodities and liquor have increased drastically to compensate for welfare spending. "For guarantees, costs have gone up five times. Liquor prices have increased heavily. The government gives Rs 2,000 to women, but their spouses are spending more on costly liquor," he claimed, suggesting that the benefits are being undermined by rising expenses.
Link to Drug Abuse
He further claimed that rising liquor prices were indirectly pushing youths towards drug abuse. "Youth who cannot afford alcohol are turning towards ganja, which is available cheaply. Cigarettes and drugs are destroying the strength of the younger generation. What kind of state are you building, Siddaramaiah?" he asked, highlighting a growing concern over substance abuse among the youth.
Neglect of Education Sector
Vishwanath also accused the government of neglecting the education sector. He alleged that nearly 16,000 schools had been shut down. Referring to an Asian Development Bank loan of Rs 2,000 crore meant for improving school education and teachers' progress, he questioned the government's priorities. "Akshara and Arogya have been ruined. The school education system has collapsed. The government should have formed an expert committee to reform the education sector," he said, calling for immediate action to address the crisis.
