COIMBATORE: Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting and Youth Affairs and Sports Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on Friday attributed the BJP’s defeat in the recent by-elections to the lack of awareness among the people about the good work carried out by the NDA Government.

“Public is not aware of the good work done by the ruling government (at the Centre),” Rathore said while replying to a specific question why despite implementing various schemes for the benefit of the people, NDA faced defeat.

Asked about increasing petrol prices, he said that the Minister concerned has already proposed to bring it under GST, even as the Government was also considering alternative ways to bring down the prices. Stating that VAT levied by the the State Governments’ was the main reason for the price hike, he said that If the petrol was brought under GST, States will lose their revenue considerably.

Rathore was here to highlight the achievement of Narendra Modi-led Government which has completed four years in office. When pointed about the reported silence of Modi on the violence and deaths in firing in Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu, Rathore said that Ministers at the Centre and States have already expressed their grief over the death and consoled the families for the loss of their kins.

Stating that the Modi Government was moving on the right track, Rathore said that in the last four years, the status of India has grown at global level. “The Government has made remarkable achievements in the last 48 months, which the previous government failed to achieve in the last 48 years,” he said.

To a question on guidelines for Online news channels, he said that there was no restriction as of now for these channels. “The Government is ready to frame guidelines, if any representations are made in this regard,” he said.

On sports field, Rathore said that the Government is planning to set up sports schools in 20 districts across the country, which would be extended to 150 districts in the next four years.