Rajni Tiwari Credits Welfare Schemes for Poverty Decline

Hardoi, October 31: Uttar Pradesh minister Rajni Tiwari has praised the central government's welfare schemes for the sharp decline in poverty highlighted in a recent World Bank report. She also reacted sharply to comments on Sanatan Dharma and attacked opposition parties on several issues.

Defending Hindu traditions

Tiwari said that the cow is considered a mother in Hinduism and is worshipped by people. She said those who mock Sanatan Dharma may not have sufficient knowledge of its traditions.

She added that people who have studied the scriptures, the Vedas and the Upanishads would not make such remarks. Those without understanding of any religion or its customs, she said, can ridicule anyone, and she preferred not to respond to them.

Credit to central schemes

A World Bank report has noted that poverty in India has fallen rapidly and that the lives of about 50 crore people have changed. Asked about the report, Tiwari credited the public welfare programmes of the central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

She said these initiatives have brought positive change to every section of society. Women, men, farmers and youth are all receiving the benefits, she noted.

Women and social progress

According to Tiwari, women are now more empowered and the government has provided better arrangements. She said the schemes and facilities have helped people rise above the poverty line and improve their standard of living.

She maintained that welfare schemes have played an important role in the advancement of different sections of society.

Opposition under fire

On the INDIA bloc's protest against the Chief Election Commissioner, Tiwari said opposition leaders were distressed and bewildered about where their political ground had disappeared. She asked why opposition members do not voice their concerns during House proceedings.

She said legislators should raise public and state issues in the House, and protesting outside is not the right way to do so. She accused the opposition of creating noise and said responsible leaders should understand where each issue needs to be raised.

Reply on Ram Janmabhoomi

Tiwari responded to a remark by Samajwadi Party leader ST Hasan on the birthplace of Lord Ram by saying that those who do not believe in God need not answer questions about the birthplace of God. She said such people would be answered by God and by the public.

She noted that leaders of the Congress and the Samajwadi Party had questioned Lord Ram, while a grand and divine Ram temple was being built in Ayodhya. She said this contrast reflects the difference between the two sides.