AAP and Delhi L-G clash over demolition of religious structures
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A heated exchange unfolded between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi and Lieutenant Governor (L-G) VK Saxena over the demolition of religious structures in the national capital.
According to The Indian Express, the Raj Niwas alleged that the AAP government approved the demolition of 25 religious structures between 2016 and 2023, including temples and a mazar. A mazar, often referred to as a dargah, is a shrine built over the grave of a revered Muslim figure.
The AAP, however, claimed that the L-G directly controlled the religious committee responsible for such decisions. The controversy began after Chief Minister Atishi alleged that six religious structures, including Hindu temples and a Buddhist shrine, were marked for demolition following a November 22 meeting chaired by the L-G.
In a letter to Saxena, Atishi urged him to halt the demolitions, citing their cultural and religious significance.
Responding to these allegations, the Raj Niwas released a statement asserting that previous AAP-led decisions had approved the demolition of 24 Hindu religious sites, including 22 temples, during Arvind Kejriwal’s tenure as chief minister.
According to official records cited by the Raj Niwas, Kejriwal had recommended the demolition of nine temples on February 8, 2023, with then-Home Minister Manish Sisodia endorsing these decisions. Most of these temples were located in Karawal Nagar and New Usmanpur.
Additionally, the statement alleged that former Home Minister Satyendra Jain approved the demolition of eight temples in June 2016 but rejected a proposal to demolish two mazaars in 2017, citing religious sensitivities.
In its rebuttal, the AAP accused the L-G of using his direct control over the religious committee to push for demolitions. The party argued that committee members were appointed by the BJP-led Central government, claiming this undermined the role of Delhi's home minister and chief minister in the decision-making process.
“It is clear that the L-G has been caught red-handed trying to order demolitions through members appointed by him,” the AAP stated, accusing the L-G of attempting to divert attention from his role in the controversy.
The dispute follows Kejriwal’s recent announcement of a proposed monthly allowance of Rs 18,000 for Hindu temple priests and granthis of gurdwaras if AAP wins the upcoming Assembly elections, expected by February.