Chandigarh, Oct. 24 -- Ludhiana Member of Parliament and former Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on Friday clarified that he was not opposed to welfare schemes. He said assistance to poor and needy families must continue, but public money should be spent judiciously and transparently.

While questioning the state government's proposed Rs.500-crore tender for a free flour distribution scheme, Warring asked why additional expenditure was needed when beneficiaries were satisfied with the existing wheat distribution programme.

"Welfare schemes must not be discontinued, but public money must not be misused either," he said, demanding an explanation for the proposed expenditure.

The Congress leader also accused the Aam A...