Dharmendra Pradhan attacks opposition-ruled states over rising unemployment rates among youth

New Delhi: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan took on opposition-ruled states pointing at their failure to address rising unemployment rates.

Citing data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), Pradhan highlighted that Kerala had the highest youth unemployment rate in the country, with an overall unemployment rate of 29.9 per cent in the 15-29 age group.

“Opposition-ruled states have one of the most glaring disparities in job creation. Youth are being robbed of their futures, especially young women, who have been shockingly abandoned by their governments. These states are collapsing under the weight of their mismanagement and corruption,” he said.

“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,”

Pradhan said. “These governments are not just incompetent—they’re dangerous.”

He said that, in contrast, the performance of BJP-ruled states has remained stable.

“States like Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat have successfully kept youth unemployment under control—Madhya Pradesh recording just 2.6 per cent and Gujarat at 3.3 per cent. These states are focusing on long-term job creation and sound fiscal policies,” he said.

“While the BJP is consistently working towards empowering the youth and creating jobs, the opposition remains mired in mismanagement and unfulfilled promises. It’s time for the people of these states to demand accountability and look towards leadership that delivers results,” Pradhan added.