CHENNAI: BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran on Thursday accused the C Joseph Vijay-led government of adopting a selective approach towards religious welfare, alleging that its Budget had ignored key promises made to Hindu devotees while accommodating only one section of beneficiaries.
Nainar Nagenthran said he respected all religions. "There is nothing wrong with people practicing their faith according to their beliefs. But when religious identities are projected in public life, it creates the impression that a government is aligned with a particular religion," he said.
Referring to Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's earlier remarks that the government was being described as one representing minorities, Nainar said such statements had raised doubts over whether the administration was functioning with religious neutrality.
While welcoming the Budget allocation of Rs 35,000 to facilitate pilgrimages, he questioned why the government had not fulfilled its poll promises to provide financial assistance for devotees visiting the six abodes of Lord Murugan and the 108 Divya Desams. "Allocating funds for one pilgrimage while ignoring the others reflects a one-sided approach," he said.
Nainar also criticised the reduction in the School Education Department's allocation from Rs 46,000 crore last year to Rs 44,000 crore this year and said the Budget offered little for students, youth and sports. He further alleged that the allocation for the free electricity scheme for farmers had been cut by Rs 500 crore, questioning whether the government remained committed to farmers' welfare.