Kejriwal announces 'Dr Ambedkar scholarship' for Dalit students willing to study abroad

Amid the ongoing row over Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks on Dr BR Ambedkar, Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal has announced a scholarship for Dalit students willing to study abroad in foreign universities.

"I don't want any Dalit student to give up his dream of studying abroad just because of the shortage of money. Hence today I announce Dr Ambedkar Scholarship," Kejriwal said.

He said the Delhi government would bear all expenses of the students who secures admission in any foreign varsity.

"They just have to get admission. Delhi government will bear the expenses, be it the fees or even their to-and-fro travel," said Kejriwal.

The former chief minister also flayed the Home Minister for the latter's controversial remarks in Parliament on Dr BR Ambedkar.

"I was personally hurt with HM Shah's remarks. None would have thought that we would witness such a day in independent India that someone could make fun of Baba Saheb inside Parliament," Kejriwal said.

The AAP convener said his announcement just ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections is in response to the Home Minister’s controversial remarks on the architect of constitution.

Controversy arose from Amit Shah's address in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, December 17, during the debate on the Constitution. Hitting out at the Congress, Shah had said that invoking Ambedkar's name has become a fashion.

Protests erupted after Amit Shah's remarks with the opposition accusing him of insulting the Architect of the Constitution.