Parrikar challenges AAP to replicate populist Goa schemes in Delhi

Panaji, Aug 20 (IANS) Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Saturday challenged the AAP to implement populist schemes like 'Laadli Laxmi' and 'Griha Aadhar' introduced in Goa by the BJP government, instead of giving "empty speeches" in the poll bound state.

"Power and electricity are the cheapest in India. I am challenging those who come here and simply give speeches. Why don't they implement the Laadli Laxmi (scheme) in Delhi? Unfortunately, there are a lot of atrocities on Laadli Laxmis. Why don't they implement Griha Adhar or Dayanand Suraksha Yojana," Parrikar, a former Goa Chief Minister, said while addressing a convention of Bharatiya Janata Party poll booth workers at an indoor stadium near Panaji.

While Parrikar did not name any political party, his reference was in all likelihood to the AAP which has a government in Delhi and has been making active political explorations in Goa.

"They have no capability to implement these schemes from Goa," Parrikar said.

Under the aegis of the Laadli Laxmi scheme every enrolled unmarried woman is entitled to Rs 1 lakh towards marriage expenses, while Griha Adhar is a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 given to housewives to tide over inflation. The Dayanand Social Security Scheme gives enrolled senior citizens an allowance of Rs 2,000 every month. All the schemes are linked to extended domicile.