Arvind Kejriwal announces scholarship for Dalit students in Delhi amid Ambedkar row

New Delhi: Trying to cash in on the protests against Home Minister Amit Shah over his "insulting" remarks against BR Ambedkar, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday announced a scholarship for free foreign education for Dalit students in the capital.

Kejriwal's latest announcement -- third in a row after Rs 2,100 per month to women and free treatment to elderly -- comes as Delhi is headed to an Assembly election in less than two months.

He also led a march to BJP headquarters after Shah's remarks and wrote to BJP allies Nitish Kumar, Bihar Chief Minister, and N Chandrababu Naidu, Andhra Chief Minister, criticising Shah.

Accusing Shah of "insulting and making fun of Ambedkar" inside Parliament, he said at an AAP function here that he considers himself a "bhakt" (devotee) of Ambedkar and he is personally sad at the way Ambedkar was mocked like crores of the Dalit icon's followers.

Kejriwal said Ambedkar always considered education was the way forward and secured a PhD from Columbia University and London School of Economics against all odds. At one point of time, he said, Ambedkar had to return to India from LSE due to financial issues and he returned and completed his PhD only after arranging money.

"Now, no Dalit children will be deprived of studying abroad because of lack of money. I am announcing the Dr Ambedkar scholarship for children of Dalits. If they get admission in any such university, the Delhi government will bear the entire cost of their education, travel and accommodation," he said.

Kejriwal said the scholarship is a response to the insult meted out by the BJP to the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. He also said even children of government officials can avail the benefits under the scheme. However, he did not provide details like when the scheme will be rolled out.