BJP talking of minority welfare is like Dracula heading blood

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Apr 07 2014 | 9:34 PM IST
In comments that could fuel a political controversy, Congress today drew the imagery of blood-sucking vampire Dracula to run down BJP's manifesto's promises for minorities.
Slamming BJP for their "duplicity and double-speak" on the issue of minority welfare, Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said "they have shed crocodile tears in the manifefsto about Madrasa modernization - education of minorities.
"In a lighter vein, I would like to say that when BJP talks of minority welfare, it sounds like Dracula taking over as the head of the blood bank."
Congress President Sonia Gandhi's "Maut Ka Saudagar" (merchant of death) barb against Narendra Modi had in the previous assembly elections in Gujarat had led to a major political controversy.
The then party spokesperson Rashid Alvi's "Yamraj" suggestion for Modi a few years back had also kicked up a political storm.
BJP in its election promise to the minorities said it will ensure "secure" environment for them and provide discrimination-free opportunities, including in education and jobs, while alleging UPA government has deprived them of these.
The document also vowed to modernise madrasa education under a new national programme and empower the Waqf Boards in consultation with religious leaders.
Dismissing BJP's promises, Singhvi said that on the contrary, the central government funds released under the Sachar Committee progamme for minority welfare were "stopped" by BJP government in Gujarat.
He said when the matter went to the High Court for validity challenge, the Gujarat High Court had upheld the government of India's fund release to give scholarship to minority students but even then the state governmnet did not release the money and instead went to the Supreme Court.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Apr 07 2014 | 9:34 PM IST

Next Story