Amid the ongoing political controversy concerning BR Ambedkar following Union Home Minister Amit Shah's objectionable remarks in the Rajya Sabha on December 17, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday announced an Ambedkar scholarship for free foreign education of the city's Dalit students.
The decision also came during the run-up to the assembly elections in Delhi which is expected to take place in February 2025.
While mentioning that the Dr Ambedkar Samman Scholarship was a response to the BJP's "insult" of Ambedkar, Kjeriwal said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah "insulted and made fun of Babasaheb Dr Ambedkar in Parliament. Crores of people who love Ambedkar were deeply pained."
What did Amit Shah say?
On December 17, Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the Rajya Sabha during the constitution debate where the BJP leader said taking Dr BR Ambedkar's name had become a "fashion" now.
"Abhi ek fashion ho gaya hai - Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. Itna naam agar bhagwan ka lete to saat janmon tak swarg mil jata (It has become a fashion to say Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar'. If they took God's name so many times, they would have got a place in heaven)," he said.
About the scholarship
Explaining the benefits of the scheme, Kejriwal said, "Under the scheme, any Dalit student from Delhi will be able to receive education in foreign universities. If they get admission in any such university, the Delhi government will bear the entire cost of their education, travel and accommodation."
Furthermore, the scheme will also benefit the children of government employees, said the former CM of Delhi without elaborating how and when the scholarships would be given.
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Health, women's welfare: Kejriwal's poll promises
With around two months left for the Delhi Assembly Elections slated to take place on February 2025, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal recently announced free treatment for senior citizens at all government and private hospitals.
According to the national convener of the ruling party in Delhi, free treatment will be available for people above the age of 60 as part of the 'Sanjeevani Yojana' once his party retains power in the national capital in 2025 elections.
"There will be no upper limit on the cost of treatment. Registration for this will start in a day or two. AAP workers will come to your home for registration. They will give you a card, keep it safe. Once we come into power after the elections, this policy will be implemented," Mr Kejriwal said.
Ahead of the polls, due in February, the AAP supremo has promised Rs 2,100 per month to all adult women and free treatment of senior citizens at government and private hospitals if his party returns to power.
