Deshmukh condemns PM on loans to Muslims notice

New Delhi, Sep 3: Former Rajya Sabha MP and renowned social activist Nanaji Deshmukh today condemned the government's move to 'direct' the Reserve Bank to issue instructions to banks to facilitate loans to Muslims and cautioned Prime Minister Manmohan Singh against the step, saying it would sully his image in the annals of history.

In an 'open letter' to the Prime Minister, Mr Deshmukh while accusing him of abusing the RBI's credibility and reputation ''in the greed to win elections,'' said this anti-national step ''would not be welcomed by right thinking Muslims of the country.'' ''With this dangerous step your image in history will be sullied.

Requesting him to scrap the decision, Mr Deshmukh said,'' your impartiality and credibility was a matter of pride but this move had tarnished your image.'' Mr Deshmukh was reacting to a notice of the RBI to banks to facilitate loans to minorities, specially in notified 57 Muslim-dominated districts.

UNI