Swaraj Criticizes Kejriwal's Appeasement Politics Amid Election Stir

BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj has accused Arvind Kejriwal of using the 'Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana' as an election tactic, criticizing his timing and questioning delayed payments to religious figures. She argues that such moves are aimed at garnering votes without addressing past government failures.

BJP Lok Sabha MP Bansuri Swaraj criticized former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over the proposed 'Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana' on Tuesday, suggesting it was a maneuver to attract votes ahead of the assembly elections. This scheme offers a monthly honorarium of around Rs 18,000 to temple priests and Gurudwara granthis.

During a press conference, Swaraj accused Kejriwal of engaging in 'appeasement politics' and urged the Delhi government to initiate the scheme immediately instead of delaying until after the elections. She pointed to the 17-month salary backlog for Imams and Maulvis as proof of the government's negligence toward religious figures.

Additionally, Swaraj criticized AAP's 'Mahila Sanman Yojna' promises, highlighting unmet commitments in Punjab. While Kejriwal has launched registration for the 'Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana,' he claims it will be rolled out when AAP wins the polls. Kejriwal emphasized the novel nature of the initiative, referencing his administration's innovative measures in education and transport.

(With inputs from agencies.)