Dignity of minorities a 'candour commitment': Naqvi

Security, dignity and identity of minority communities was not "political propaganda" but a "candour commitment" to empowerment of minorities, union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said on Tuesday.

"Irrespective of caste and religion, the Narendra Modi government treats every citizen of the country as an Indian and inclusive growth of all sections of society is its priority," said the minister who holds charge of the minority affairs portfolio.

Naqvi was addressing scholars and students at a seminar on "Shifting Paradigm: Re-envisioning Minority Issues and Minority Studies in India", organised at Jamia Millia Islamia here.

Naqvi said "vote politics" is played on the issues of social, economic and educational welfare of minorities.

Minorities, especially Muslims, are left behind on the path of development even after money is spent on their growth. Loot of public money by middlemen is one of the major reasons behind this, he added.

Naqvi said this situation has "completely changed" after the NDA government came to power.

"With the mantra of 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas', the environment of fear created by some political parties in the minds of minority communities against the BJP has been removed," he said.

Naqvi urged minority communities to assess the Modi government on the basis of its work and not through the eyes of so-called "champions of secularism".