Ramdas Athawale, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, addressing press conference in Kalaburagi city on Tuesday (June 2).
| Photo Credit: ARUN KULKARNI
Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Tuesday (June 2) defended the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices, saying the decision was taken in view of global uncertainties and the need to safeguard the country’s economy.Addressing a press conference at the Iwan-e-Shahi guest house in Kalaburagi city, Mr. Athawale claimed the Narendra Modi-led Union government had largely avoided increasing fuel prices over the past several years. He attributed the latest hike to prevailing geopolitical tensions in West Asia and economic considerations.“The government is aware that the increase in fuel prices will place an additional burden on ordinary citizens. Efforts are being made to explore ways to reduce the impact of the hike,” he added.Drawing a comparison with the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government led by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Mr. Athawale alleged that petrol and diesel prices had been increased multiple times during that period. He maintained that the present government had been compelled to act due to prevailing circumstances.The Minister said the Union government had accelerated the country’s development over the past decade and was extending financial support to States without discrimination. Referring to the Union Budget for 2026-27, he said it had made provisions for the welfare of all sections of society.Mr. Athawale said allocations made to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment were being utilised for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, senior citizens, transgenders and persons with disabilities.‘Congress’s criticism will not affect the Modi government’Responding to criticism from AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge that the Union government had failed across sectors, Mr. Athawale said Opposition parties were entitled to express their views. “Mr. Kharge has every right to criticise the government as he is in the Opposition. Criticism is part of the role of the Opposition,” he said.Mr. Athawale also remarked that despite spending his entire political career in the Congress, Mr. Kharge had not been allowed to serve as Chief Minister of Karnataka and was instead elevated to the post of AICC president.Claiming that the Congress was unhappy with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s return to power for a third term. Mr. Athawale alleged that the Congress party had gained some political advantage in the last Lok Sabha election by spreading “false claims” that the Constitution would be changed if the BJP returned to office, and asserted that Opposition criticism would not affect Mr. Modi’s leadership. Published - June 02, 2026 08:48 pm IST
