A political storm brewed in Delhi as BJP MP Manoj Tiwari launched a sharp attack on AAP Chief Minister Atishi, accusing her of being a “puppet” controlled by AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal. He also questioned AAP’s commitment to Hindu religious structures, alleging that the party had failed to build any temples during its tenure.
“Nobody is listening to Atishi nowadays; she is just a puppet of Arvind Kejriwal, who is using her as a remote. Arvind Kejriwal has been in power for 10 years. How many temples have they built? We are the ones who make temples,” Tiwari said.
In a pointed criticism of AAP’s policies, Tiwari challenged the party to demonstrate fairness by compensating Hindu priests as they do for Muslim clerics. “If there is even a little bit of ethics left with Arvind Kejriwal and his party, count the total amount you have paid to maulvis and pay the same to pujaris. Then we will be on your side,” he asserted.
AAP Hits Back
Responding to the allegations, Delhi CM Atishi accused the BJP of double standards regarding temple preservation and Hinduism. Addressing a press conference, she alleged that the BJP and the Lieutenant Governor (LG) had approved the demolition of several temples in Delhi while publicly portraying themselves as protectors of Hindu culture.
“The dual face of BJP is exposed. On one hand, they pretend to protect Hinduism. On the other hand, they secretly direct their appointed officers and the LG to demolish temples,” Atishi stated.
She cited the minutes of a Religious Committee meeting held on November 22, claiming that it included a decision to demolish temples in areas like West Patel Nagar, Dilshad Garden, Seemapuri, Gokalpuri, New Usmanpur, and Sultanpuri, along with a Buddhist temple in Sundar Nagari.
“Yesterday, the LG’s office told the media that there is no order to demolish temples. But this is a lie. The decision to demolish temples is documented in the minutes of the meeting. The LG has approved it, and DMs and SDMs are now preparing for the demolition,” Atishi alleged.
Context and Reactions
The clash reflects growing tensions between the BJP and AAP ahead of upcoming elections, with both parties using religious and governance issues to appeal to their voter bases. While the BJP accuses AAP of neglecting Hindu sentiments, AAP counters by alleging hypocrisy in BJP’s religious policies.
Observers note that the controversy over temple demolitions and funding for religious leaders could become a key flashpoint in Delhi politics, with potential implications for the national discourse on secularism and religious harmony.