NEW DELHI: The political landscape in Delhi is heating up as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal faces significant backlash from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding his newly announced Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana.

Set to launch in the backdrop of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections in 2025, the scheme promises a monthly honorarium of Rs 18,000 to temple priests and Gurudwara granthis throughout the city. This initiative has drawn criticism from BJP leaders, who have labeled Kejriwal a 'chunavi Hindu'—a term implying his religious overtures are mere election tactics. The Delhi BJP, led by chief Virendra Sachdeva, expressed concerns over the perceived opportunism of the scheme, suggesting AAP is leveraging religious sentiment for electoral gain.

In a Twitter post, Kejriwal responded to BJP's accusations, questioning their persistent criticisms since the scheme's announcement. He remarked, “My question to them is, will the country benefit from abusing me? You have governments in 20 states. Why haven’t you respected the priests and granthis there till now?” He underscored that rather than opposing him, BJP should undertake similar initiatives in states they govern, if they truly valued religious leadership.

The BJP has accused Kejriwal of neglecting the needs of priests until the scheme's introduction. Sachdeva stated in a New Year letter addressed to Kejriwal, "Stop lying, your corruption should not make wrong promises in the name of women, senior citizens, and children." He also criticized AAP for failing to keep prior promises, particularly regarding the cleanup of the Yamuna River and women's welfare initiatives.

Adding fuel to the fire, BJP publicly released old videos of Kejriwal and other AAP leaders allegedly questioning the construction of the Ram temple. They assert that these clips confirm AAP's inconsistent views on Hindu issues, thus undermining their current claims to support religious leaders through the new scheme. Sachdeva emphasized, "A person who questions the existence of Lord Ram can never be a true proponent of Hindu nationalism." In stark contrast, AAP argued that the BJP should focus on their governance rather than diminish Kejriwal's initiatives for the betterment of the religious community.

As the political rivalry intensifies, the Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana has become a focal point for both AAP and BJP, showcasing the intricacies of election strategies and the ever-present tension between religious sentiment and political maneuvering.

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