Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched a scathing attack on opposition-ruled states on Thursday, labeling them as “incompetent” and “dangerous” due to their inability to address the escalating unemployment crisis, particularly among the youth. He accused these governments of neglecting their responsibilities and failing to create opportunities for young people, resulting in high unemployment rates and growing economic disparity.
Citing the latest data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) covering the period from July 2023 to June 2024, Pradhan highlighted alarming trends in job creation in states governed by opposition parties. He specifically pointed to Kerala, which recorded one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the country at 29.9% in the 15-29 age group. The report also exposed a significant gender disparity, with 47.1% of young women and 17.8% of young men unemployed in the state.
Pradhan expressed deep concern over the plight of young women in these states, saying, “Youth, especially young women, are being robbed of their futures. Their own governments have shockingly abandoned them. These states are collapsing under the weight of mismanagement, corruption, and a complete lack of vision.”
He further accused the opposition of focusing on short-term political gains at the expense of sustainable development, stating, “While the opposition is busy buying votes with empty promises and pushing their states into bottomless debt, their youth are paying the price—unemployed, disillusioned, and left behind. It’s an unforgivable betrayal. These governments are not just incompetent, they’re dangerous.”
Pradhan contrasted this with the performance of BJP-ruled states, claiming that states like Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat have successfully managed youth unemployment by implementing stable governance and sound economic policies. He pointed out that Madhya Pradesh has maintained a youth unemployment rate of just 2.6%, while Gujarat stands at 3.3%.
“While the BJP is consistently working towards empowering the youth and creating jobs, the opposition remains mired in mismanagement, unfulfilled promises, and fiscal recklessness. It’s time for the people of these states to demand accountability and look towards leadership that delivers results,” Pradhan asserted.
He concluded by emphasizing the need for responsible governance and forward-thinking policies to ensure the prosperity and future of India’s youth. The Union minister urged citizens, especially the youth, to hold their governments accountable and demand better governance to secure a brighter future.
Source: PTI
