Athawale: ‘Saugat-e-Modi’ kits for welfare of people

Patna: Amid criticism from opposition parties over the distribution of ‘Saugat-e-Modi' kits to Muslims, Union minister Ramdas Athawale on Friday defended the initiative, saying that its primary purpose was to assist people in need.
Former Maharashtra CM and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray accused the BJP of abandoning Hindutva in favour of "Satta Jihad" while the RJD likened the initiative to "distributing glasses after taking away one's vision". Each kit includes clothes, sugar, sewai, besan and dry fruits.
Speaking to reporters in Patna, Athawale dismissed political allegations, saying that the kits were meant purely for public welfare. "We work for the welfare of the people, not for power," said the minister. "Power belongs to those who have the support of the masses," he added.
Athawale accused Thackeray of being restless after losing power in Maharashtra and of persistently targeting PM Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah. "But that won't serve any purpose," he added.
Athawale expressed confidence in the NDA's return to power in Bihar, citing the development work carried out by CM Nitish Kumar and the special package announced by the Centre in the Union Budget. "The Nitish Kumar govt has done remarkable work in the state. The people are happy with its performance and stand with us. We are confident the NDA will return to power," said Athawale, who is also the president of the Republican Party of India.
When asked about the ongoing protests by the Muslim community against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Athawale defended the legislation, calling it beneficial for disadvantaged Muslims. "Waqf properties have been concentrated in the hands of a few, which limits their benefits to only a select group. That is why this Bill has been introduced. We are not against Muslims," he said.
Responding to a question about the Congress appointing a Dalit leader as its Bihar state president, Athawale dismissed the move as ineffective. He argued that the Congress has historically ignored Dalits while the BJP has consistently given them due recognition. "The appointment of Ram Nath Kovind and Droupadi Murmu as President is clear evidence of that," he said.