BJP against extension of 'Aashirwaad scheme' to Muslims

Chandigarh, Oct 25 (UNI) The Punjab BJP today condemned the announcement made by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on extending the 'Aashirwaad scheme' to economically poor Muslims in the state.

Terming the announcement made by the Chief Minister as a political gimmick, State BJP chief Avinash Rai Khanna claimed the Chief Minister was ''resorting to cheap and populist appeasement of minorities''. He questioned the logic for extending this facility to the minorities only.

The Chief Minister had yesterday announced extending the 'Aashiwaad scheme'from the SCs and BCs to poor Muslim families.

Under this scheme, a family would be given Rs 15,000 for the wedding of a daughter.

''Capt Singh is appeasing minorities at the expense of not only the state exchequer, but also at the cost of the faith and confidence of millions of underprivileged from the majority community. Even a poor Sikh, Brahmin and Kshatriya should have equal opportunity to avail this scheme'' Mr Khanna added.

The BJP leader deplored the efforts being made by the Chief Minister and the Congress party to win Muslim and Christian minority votes. The principle of equalty and justice were being done away with by the CM, he alleged.

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