New Delhi: The Delhi government’s scheme to provide free pilgrimage to senior citizens and youth in the National Capital has won endorsement from an unlikely source – The Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha. In a statement on Tuesday, Hindu Mahasabha Chief Swami Chakrapani praised Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and said that the BJP should learn from the AAP government.

“Because of the free pilgrimage scheme, I pray for the bright future and long life of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The Delhi government’s scheme will help senior citizens in achieving their dream of going on pilgrimages. The BJP government should take inspiration from Shri Kejriwal,” Chakrapani said on Tuesday.

During a meeting of the Delhi government’s Tourism Department on Sunday, in which Kejriwal was also present, the Delhi CM reportedly issued orders to officials to ensure that senior citizens from Delhi should be able to go on pilgrimages free of cost.

The Delhi government has marked four major pilgrimage spots across North India. These are Badrinath, Kedarnath, Mathura and Haridwar. Delhi government is ready to bear the cost of the pilgrimage for senior citizens.

Kejriwal has asked Tourism Department officials to prepare a proposal so that it can be implemented at the earliest. According to reports, the government plans to initially include 1,000 senior citizens in this program. The government is reportedly also planning to arrange for buses that will take pilgrims to these four destinations. Under the plan, senior citizens will also be provided amenities and services for the journey. According to reports, the government plans to roll this plan around the Hindu festival of Makar Sankranti in January 2018.