Chandigarh: Union Minister of Power and Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, on Sunday, said that public dialogue must be rooted in facts and truth and should focus on meaningful issues concerning the youth and public interest rather than being used merely to gain publicity.
The Union Minister was interacting with media persons after inaugurating four projects of Karnal Smart City worth Rs. 23.67 crore. He said that the projects would benefit the people, while work on another four to five projects is yet to be completed. These include a major elevated bridge project, which is under execution and would be completed at the earliest.
Responding to a question on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s continued outreach to the youth, Manohar Lal said that dialogue is an essential part of politics and everyone should engage with the people. However, such engagement must be based on facts and truth. Resorting to false slogans for cheap publicity and remaining in the headlines serves neither society nor politics, he said.
The Union Minister said that political discourse should centre on constructive issues concerning the youth and larger public interest. Merely provoking people, particularly against the establishment, is neither appropriate nor constructive and deserves condemnation, he added.
Responding to a question on the increase in sugar prices, Manohar Lal said that market prices fluctuate and such increases have occurred in the past as well. Referring to sharp increases in the prices of onions, pulses and sugar during the Opposition’s tenure, he said that the present government acted promptly following the increase in sugar prices, resulting in a decline of Rs.15 in a single day.
