Former Goa chief minister and Congress MLA Pratapsingh Rane on Wednesday demanded the state government provide financial assistance to Hindu and Christian pilgrims on the lines of the Haj.
Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, Rane clarified that he was not against the financial help provided to Haj pilgrims, but is of the view that similar facilities be extended to Hindus and Christians too.
"It is laudable that you provide financial help to Haj pilgrims, but also provide help to those who want to go to Kashi, Prayag, Amarnath, Badrinath, Panchwati, Manasarovar etc. Why don't you help them also?
"Our Christian brethren want to visit the Vatican, Lourdes (France) or Fatima in Portugal. They also should be helped financially," he said during the debate on the Demands for Grants of Home department.
MGP MLA Sudin Dhavalikar echoed the views of Rane.
He said the government should help the senior citizens going on pilgrimages.
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