NEW DELHI: A fresh controversy has ignited amidst allegations and counter-allegations between Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders regarding the installation of fountains atop ‘shivlings’ for the road beautification near Dhaula Kuan, in preparation for the G20 Summit.
Dhaula Kuan Road, positioned along the route from the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport, now features 12 shivlings embellished with fountains, intended to showcase India’s aesthetic allure.
However, the matter has spiraled into a contentious issue after AAP lawmaker Sanjay Singh shared images of the shivlings on his social media account, deeming it an affront to bhagwan shiv (Lord Shiva). Singh pointed fingers at BJP workers for claiming credit for it and urged action against Lt. Governor VK Saxena.
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Singh posted screenshots of Saxena’s and BJP’s social media posts showcasing the installed fountain shivlings.
On the other hand, BJP’s National media panelist Charu Pragya tweeted from her social media account, stating that the AAP-led Delhi government was responsible for the ‘shivling’ installation near Dhaula Kuan. She emphasized, “Shivling is not for decoration. And Dhaula Kuan is not Gyanvapi.”
Prior to her statement, Telangana leader Y Satish Reddy, while sharing a video of the ‘shivling’ on his social media account, alleged that it was a “mockery of Hinduism by the Modi government.” He questioned the use of shivlings as fountains for the #G20Summit2023, expressing concern over whether the sacredness of the shivling was being trivialized for amusement.
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In Delhi, both AAP and BJP have been engaged in a dispute over who should be credited for the beautification of the city ahead of the G20 Summit. Delhi Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj asserted that the Central government hadn’t provided any funds to Delhi for road beautification. In contrast, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva had claimed that the work was funded by the Central government.
Delhi PWD Minister Atishi, however, remarked that no party should assert ownership over the beautification efforts, as the G20 summit is a source of national pride. She urged parties to unite in ensuring the summit’s success.
The G20 Summit is scheduled for September 9 and 10 in Delhi, welcoming representatives from around 40 countries, including US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, to the National Capital.