Coimbatore: Veteran Congress leader  Kumari Anandan led a demonstration by party workers in the city protesting against the withdrawal of Haj subsidy by the Centre.

Over 100 Congress workers raised slogans against Narendra Modi Government for the step, which was seriously affecting poor Muslims. Kumari Anandan said subsidy for Haj pilgrims was introduced during the Congress regime and by its withdrawal, BJP was trying to divide the people on religious basis.

The annual subsidy of Rs 500 crore was helping poor Muslims, particularly in their later part of their lives, he said.