Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday took a strong swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of politicizing the recent student protests in New Delhi. Speaking to media at the PWD Rest House in Karnal, Khattar said that the public has grown weary of such tactics and no longer supports opposition leaders who exploit every issue for political gain.
Khattar's Criticism of Rahul Gandhi
Rahul Gandhi had earlier demanded an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the handling of the student protests, which eventually led to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Khattar dismissed the demand, stating: “People do not like politics over every issue. Rahul Gandhi’s statements always harm him more than anyone else as the public is intelligent and wants constructive work.”
The Union Minister emphasized that the opposition's habit of politicizing every matter has backfired, with voters now prioritizing development over rhetoric. He cited the recent electoral successes of the BJP as evidence that the public rejects such negative politics.
Call for Youth Focus on Studies
When asked about the conclusion of the student protests following Pradhan's resignation, Khattar urged students to channel their energy into academics rather than agitations. “Students should devote their time and energy to studies and skill development, not protests,” he said, adding that the government is committed to providing quality education and employment opportunities.
Regarding the appointment of Union Minister Prahlad Joshi as the additional charge of the Education Ministry, Khattar described Joshi as an experienced and capable leader. He noted that the Prime Minister will decide on a permanent appointment at an appropriate time.
Inauguration of Stitching Training Centre
During his visit to the Nilokheri constituency, Khattar inaugurated a stitching training centre in Sandhir village. The centre, run by the Antyodaya Foundation, aims to equip rural women with vocational skills to promote self-reliance. Around 70 women registered on the inaugural day and will undergo training in two batches.
Khattar highlighted that similar centres are being established in 15 villages across the constituency, with six already operational. He announced the formation of a five-member local committee, called the Panjchanya Committee, in each village to oversee the centres' functioning.
Women Empowerment Initiative
The Union Minister described the training centre as a significant step towards women empowerment. “This centre will provide rural women with the skills to become financially independent and contribute to their families’ income,” he said. The initiative aligns with the government's broader vision of making women self-reliant through skill development.
Khattar also inaugurated a one-day Antyodaya Mela under the Mukhyamantri Antyodaya Parivar Utthan Yojana 2.0 at Panchayat Bhawan in Karnal. The mela aims to provide benefits of various welfare schemes to the poorest families in the district.
Development Works Review
Earlier in the day, Khattar reviewed ongoing development projects in the district, including road construction, water supply, and sanitation works. He directed officials to expedite pending projects and ensure transparency in implementation.
The minister’s visit to his Lok Sabha constituency underscored the government's focus on grassroots development and skill enhancement, while simultaneously taking a political stand against opposition tactics.
