The minister gave a public speech on the controversial subject to precipitate the matter.

Answer: Option C

Precipitate : cause (an event or situation, typically one that is undesirable) to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely.
Pull : exert force on (someone or something) so as to cause movement towards oneself.
Push : exert force on (someone or something) in order to move them away from oneself.
Defer : put off (an action or event) to a later time; postpone.
Create : bring (something) into existence.

Antonym of Precipitate is Defer