What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: In a major announcement aimed at religious leaders, Delhi’s Former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has declared that priests and granthis in the national capital will receive an honorarium of Rs 18,000 per month if the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) retains power. The announcement was made during an event at Connaught Place’s iconic Hanuman Temple on December 31, where Kejriwal highlighted the scheme as a first-of-its-kind initiative in India.
Sharing the announcement on social media platform X, the AAP wrote, “Jai Shree Ram,” showcasing the party’s effort to appeal to religious sentiments ahead of the elections. However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and other groups, who label it an election stunt.
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Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva lambasted Kejriwal, calling him a “Chunavi Hindu” (election Hindu). Sachdeva accused the Delhi Chief Minister of hypocrisy, stating, “Arvind Kejriwal has opposed the Ram Temple, the Swastik symbol, and even Lord Shri Krishna in the past. With elections approaching, he is trying to project himself as a pro-Hindu leader.”
Sachdeva further emphasized the effectiveness of BJP-led government schemes across states, such as the Mahila Samman Yojana, Kisan Nidhi, and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, suggesting that Kejriwal should learn from the BJP how to implement welfare programs successfully.
Adding to the controversy, a group of Maulanas staged a protest outside Kejriwal’s residence, alleging that the AAP government also promised them a monthly honorarium of Rs 18,000 but have yet to receive any payments.
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Meanwhile, Delhi-based advocate Rishipal Singh has announced plans to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against the Delhi government, questioning the legality and implementation of the scheme. “Did they seek public opinion before launching this? How will they determine who qualifies as a priest, granthi, or maulvi? This government is misusing taxpayers’ money just before elections. I will take this matter to court,” Singh said.
As the elections draw closer, the scheme has sparked a heated debate, with critics alleging it is a political ploy to gain favour among religious communities. While AAP defends the initiative as a step towards respecting religious leaders, the opposition sees it as an opportunistic move. The controversy intensifies, setting the tone for a fierce electoral battle in Delhi.
