Haj subsidy withdrawn because of BJP's hate for Muslims: Lalu

RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Wednesday claimed that the BJP government withdrew subsidy for Haj pilgrims because of its hatred for Muslims in the ranks Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Bharatiya Janata Party".

The former Bihar chief minister also stated that the decision, if not rolled back by the central government, will prove costly for the RSS-BJP combine in the long run, reports Times of India.

Meanwhile, Congress MP Ahmed Patel on Wednesday wrote to Minority affairs minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi asking him him to spend the funds for the development of minorities, as mandated by the Supreme Court in its 2012 order.

In a letter addressed to the Union minister, Patel said he welcomed the government's decision to withdraw the subsidy given to Haj pilgrims.However, he hoped that the guidelines will be implemented in letter and spirit.

"Available records show that between 2014 and 2017, the Central Government's grant for Haj has been reduced from Rs 400 crore to Rs 200 crore. I sincerely hope that this reduction in the outlay by nearly Rs 200 crore has been matched by an increased investment in the welfare of the community as mandated by the honourable Supreme Court," the letter read.

The government on Tuesday withdrew Haj subsidy in a bid to end minority appeasement.

Naqvi had then assured that the funds meant for subsidy will be used for educational empowerment and welfare of girls from minority communities.

OneIndia News