The Aam Aadmi Social gathering (AAP) on Wednesday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Social gathering (AAP) has “secretly” deliberate the demolitions of a number of temples and at the least one Buddhist construction within the Capital.
Delhi chief minister Atishi. (Sanchit Khanna/HT Picture)
The BJP dismissed the allegations, and claimed that the AAP was making an attempt to disturb the communal concord of the town.
Chief minister Atishi alleged that in a November 22 assembly of Delhi’s spiritual committee — chaired by the principal secretary (dwelling), a bureaucrat appointed by the central authorities — it was determined that a number of temples within the Capital shall be demolished.
“On November 22, a meeting of the religious committee was held, and several decisions regarding the demolition of temples were made. One temple is located at 26 Block, West Patel Nagar. Another is in Pocket-N, Dilshad Garden. A temple is in B-Block, Seemapuri, 395 Gokulpuri, and another near Gate No. 1 of New Usmanpur Flats. There is a statue of Lord Hanuman in Ambedkar Park, B-3 Block, Sultanpuri. Additionally, there is a Buddhist religious site located in I-Block Park, Sunder Nagri, which also houses a statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar,” Atishi stated throughout a press convention.
She additionally shared the purported minutes of the November 22 assembly.
To make sure, Atishi had the day before today written to lieutenant governor VK Saxena, asking him to not demolish spiritual buildings recognized as encroachments as it might “hurt religious sentiments”, prompting the latter to reply that no locations of worship have been being razed within the metropolis.
“Any recommendation by the religious committee is sent directly to the LG. These recommendations are not sent to the home minister of the Delhi government or to the chief minister. The principal secretary (home), who is appointed by the BJP-led central government, makes the decisions, and these decisions are then sent to the LG, a representative of the BJP-led central government, for approval,” Atishi stated.
HT reached out to the LG workplace, however officers there didn’t touch upon the matter.
The CM additional stated the AAP authorities has no position within the selections of the spiritual committee.
“The religious committee used to function under the Delhi home minister, and until last year, any decision made by it was first presented to the home minister … However, last year, the Delhi LG issued an order stating that the demolition of any religious site is a matter of law and order, and since law and order comes under the jurisdiction of the central government and the LG, the elected Delhi government, its home minister, and the chief minister have no role in such matters,” she stated.
She claimed whereas the AAP, if it returns to energy, desires to supply ₹18,000 monthly to clergymen and granthis below the Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana, the BJP is working to demolish temples.
AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal on X reiterated Atishi’s allegations.
“On one hand, BJP is strongly opposing the payment of honorarium to pujaris and granthis and on the other hand, it is preparing to demolish temples. People are very angry about this,” he posted.
The BJP, in the meantime, stated that by making an announcement concerning the demolition of temples, the AAP has tried to disturb the communal concord of Delhi.
“Atishi should immediately withdraw her statement; otherwise, she will be held responsible for any untoward incidents in Delhi,” stated Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva.