Kejriwal's Initiative to Woo Priests: Ex-CM Under Fire Following Launch of 'Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana'
Click to start listening
New Delhi, Dec 31 (NationPress) Following the launch of the 'Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana' by AAP leader and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, numerous priests in the national capital expressed their criticism of the initiative, labeling it a 'lollypop' intended to sway them for votes in the forthcoming Assembly elections.
Kejriwal, who serves as the National Convenor of AAP, announced that Hindu temple priests and granthis from Gurdwaras in Delhi would be entitled to a monthly honorarium of Rs 18,000 contingent on the party's success in the upcoming elections.
Launched at the Marghatwale Baba temple near Kashmiri Gate ISBT, the scheme has stirred a mix of reactions among Delhi's priests just ahead of the February polls.
On a social media platform, Kejriwal shared highlights from his visit to Marghatwale Baba’s temple, celebrating the birthday of the Mahant during the launch.
He stated, “Today I launched the 'Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana'. This is a vital step towards supporting the spiritual leaders of our city,” adding that despite the BJP's attempts to hinder the registration process, “no one can stop a devotee from meeting God.”
Nevertheless, several priests raised concerns regarding the timing of the initiative, suggesting it was more focused on vote acquisition than genuinely meeting their needs.
One priest shared with IANS, “It’s commendable that he’s considering the priests now, but where was he for the last 10 years? This appears to be merely a tactic to influence voters. I doubt he will follow through on this promise. He previously allocated funds to maulvis but neglected pujaris and granthis. The conditions in Delhi remain unchanged, and we have been overlooked for years.”
Another priest voiced frustration, referring to it as a 'lollypop' designed to mislead the religious community. “Previously, they didn’t offer pensions to the elderly. Kejriwal made numerous promises but failed to deliver. Now, he’s making these announcements solely for votes. We are not gullible, and I am convinced he doesn’t even know how many temples are in Delhi,” he remarked.
A third priest commented, “If Kejriwal had made this announcement a year before the Assembly elections, we might have believed he was genuinely concerned about us. However, now it feels like an effort to manipulate us. He has not fulfilled prior commitments, and this scheme seems to be a tactic to secure votes. PM Modi’s government has already made significant contributions to temples, while Kejriwal’s promises remain unfulfilled.”
Another priest criticized the announcement, labeling it a 'jumla' meant to influence pujaris and granthis for electoral gain. He recalled Kejriwal’s prior assurances, such as his pledge not to utilize a government vehicle or residence, none of which materialized.
He remarked, “Kejriwal didn’t assist us during the COVID-19 pandemic, and now he offers Rs 18,000 to priests. We should support those who truly adhere to the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.’”
The Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana is a component of AAP’s strategy to connect with religious leaders ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 2024.
