Pune (Maharashtra) [India], March 29 (ANI): Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday lashed out at the opposition for criticising the BJP over distributing 'Saugat-e-Modi' kits to poor Muslims and accused them of spreading a 'fake narrative' on the Constitution and reservation during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The Shiv Sena chief highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's achievements, including lifting 35 crore people above the poverty line and providing 80 crore people with free food.

He also mentioned various schemes like Lakhpati Didi Yojana, Drone Didi Yojana, and Jan Dhan Yojana, emphasizing that these benefits are available to people of all communities and religions without any discrimination.

Shinde told reporters here, ''These people spread lies during the Lok Sabha elections that the Constitution will be changed, they did everything and these same people are accusing Modi ji. Modi ji has brought 35 crore people above the poverty line, has given free ration to 80 crore people. There is Lakhpati Didi Yojana, Drone Didi Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana, are there only Hindus in it? Are Muslims, Christians not included in it? All people are included, there is no discrimination. All schemes are available for people of all communities, all religions...'

The 'Saugat-e-Modi' initiative aims to distribute kits containing food items, clothes, and other essentials to 32 lakh economically weaker Muslims during Eid celebrations 2. However, opposition MPs have criticized the move, alleging it's a ploy to garner votes ahead of the Bihar elections.

BJP Minority Morcha launched its 'Saugat-e-Modi' campaign, aiming to distribute special kits to 32 lakh underprivileged Muslims across the country ahead of Eid.

The initiative, kicked off from Nizamuddin in Delhi on Tuesday under the guidance of BJP National President JP Nadda, seeks to ensure that poor Muslim families can celebrate the festival without any hardship.

As part of the campaign, 32,000 Minority Morcha workers collaborated with 32,000 mosques nationwide to reach the needy.

Earlier, Jamal Siddiqui, the National President of the BJP Minority Morcha, outlined the campaign's broader vision, stating that during the holy month of Ramadan and upcoming occasions like Eid, Good Friday, Easter, Nauruz, and the Indian New Year, the Minority Front will reach out to those in need through the 'Saugat-e-Modi' campaign.

Eid Milan celebrations will also be organised at the district level, he added.

The National Media Charge of the Minority Morcha, Yasir Zilani, explained that the 'Saugat-e-Modi' scheme is a campaign launched by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with the goal of promoting welfare schemes among the Muslim community and gathering political support for the BJP and NDA. (ANI)