1984 anti-Sikh riots: Compensation money is like giving lollipop before election, says AAP

NEW DELHI: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today said the compensation cheques distributed to the families of anti-Sikh riot victims by Union Minister Rajnath Singh in presence of Delhi BJP chief Satish Upadhyay were like "giving lollipop" before the election.

Party's Delhi convenor Ashutosh said instead of giving the cheques to just 17 families, Singh should have come out with a plan of disbursing the compensation money to remaining victims.

"Now that Delhi elections are round the corner, the BJP has decided to hand over the compensation package to just 17 families. But what about the remanining 2733 people.

"Distributing compensation money ahead of elections while the BJP state president is on dias is nothing but a facade. The BJP is offering lollipops ahead of elections," Ashutosh said.

The Centre had recently announced to provide additional Rs 5 lakh compensation to the kin of Sikhs killed in 1984 riots. The Union Hime minister distributed cheques of Rs 5 lakh to 17 kin of the riot victims at a function here.

The Union Home Ministry has constituted a committee under a retired judge to look into the grievances of victims of 1984 riots.

The AAP had criticised the move saying the Centre should first appoint someone on the SIT announced by then Arvind Kejriwal government to probe the matter.