Salman for talks with states on Muslim issues; roping in Sonia

Minority Affairs Minister Salman Khursheed said he will approach PM Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi for a "political dialogue" with states for better delivery of welfare schemes for Muslims.

Minority Affairs Minister Salman Khursheed on Thursday said he will approach Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi for a "political dialogue" with states for better delivery of welfare schemes for Muslims.

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"At the official level, it (centre-state coordination) is happening all the time, at political level we will do it. I will seek my leadership's intervention as and when necessary," Khursheed told PTI.

"My word may not count as much as that of the Prime Minister or the Congress President. But if need be, I will certainly do it," he added.

He was replying to queries about the efficacy of execution of schemes aimed at betterment of Muslims in the states, many of which are ruled by regional parties.

At the same time, he said he would approach the Finance Minister for enhancing the scholarship assistance for Muslims in the Budget in the wake of a demand from 20 lakh meritorious students.