Delhi AAP Minister resigns after BJP's attack on conversion event

New Delhi: Days after attending a conversion ceremony where thousands declared to be embracing Buddhism, Delhi minister Rajendra Pal Gautam resigned on Sunday.

BJP unleashed a torrent of attacks on the Delhi Social Welfare Minister for his presence at the time of converting what the organisers claimed 10,000 people who chanted they no longer believed in Hindu Gods and Goddesses.

Gautam tweeted to say now that he was freed form many shackles and was born again, he would continue fight for rights more firmly without any restrictions.

He added that the day of his resignation coincide with the manifestation day of Maharishi Valmiki and was also the death anniversary of Manyavar Kanshi Ram, according to NDTV.

Gautam's stepping down from AAP ministry is significant after the BJP opened a warfront pivoting on the conversion.

AAP claims to be pitting itself against the BJP in Gujarat in view of the upcoming state polls.

Gautam's presence at the conversion event was getting played into the BJP's hands both in Delhi and Gujarat.

Hours after attending the conversion ceremony, Gautam on Friday accused the BJP of spreading "rumours" against him. He went on to apologise if he hurt anyone, adding that he personally respected all the Gods and Goddess.

The BJP had launched attack on Kejriwal as well urging him to sack Gautam, while putting up posters against them.

Kejriwal countered the BJP at a rally chanting "Jai Shri Ram" saying that he is a disciple of Hanuman, while they are the descendants of Kansa.

He also said he was born on the day of Janmashtami and asserted that God sent him with a special duty of destroying Kansa