AAP and BJP Clash Over Hindu Sentiments
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Synopsis
In New Delhi, AAP and BJP have engaged in a heated debate concerning Hindu sentiments and the Ramayana, with BJP accusing Kejriwal of disrespecting Hindu deities, while Kejriwal retaliates with criticism of BJP's motives and policies.
Key Takeaways
- AAP and BJP dispute over Ramayana characters.
- BJP accuses Kejriwal of disrespecting Hindu deities.
- Kejriwal warns against trusting the BJP.
- BJP promises housing and welfare schemes if elected.
- Sachdeva condemns Kejriwal's past election narratives.
New Delhi, Jan 21 (NationPress) In a bid to appeal to Hindu voters, the ruling AAP and the Opposition BJP clashed over characters from the ‘Ramayana’ on Tuesday, with the BJP accusing the former Chief Minister of showing disrespect towards Hindu deities.
Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva visited the Hanuman Temple at Connaught Place to pray to Shri Ram Darbar, Lord Hanuman, and Sant Tulsidas. He urged Kejriwal to cease playing with Hindu sentiments.
Sachdeva asked for forgiveness on behalf of Kejriwal, claiming the latter recently misrepresented the Ramayana, dissing Lord Sitaram and offending millions of Hindus.
In a show of prayer, Sachdeva also chose to observe a symbolic fast while maintaining his regular schedule.
Kejriwal retaliated, likening the BJP to the demon king Ravana and cautioned the impoverished slum dwellers in Delhi against trusting the BJP, stating, “If the BJP gains power, it will consume the poor like a demon,” during a press conference.
He remarked that the BJP leaders protested outside his residence because he referred to the golden deer central to ‘Sita Haran’ in the Ramayana as Ravana.
“They claim the deer was not Ravana but Mareech and that I have disrespected Ravana by labeling him as the golden deer. I’m stunned by the BJP leaders’ affection for Ravana. Perhaps, it’s because they embody qualities similar to the demon king Ravana,” Kejriwal stated.
Furthermore, he criticized the BJP’s Sankalp Patra Part-2 and warned Delhi’s poor families that the BJP might eliminate free education in government schools and free healthcare in Mohalla Clinics. He elaborated that the withdrawal of welfare programs could impose additional costs of Rs 15,000 per month on each family.
The BJP rebuked Kejriwal for spreading misinformation and reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promises to provide housing for slum dwellers and continue all free welfare initiatives, alongside offering Rs 2,500 monthly to women if their government is elected after the February 5 Assembly election.
During Sachdeva’s temple visit, he was accompanied by Member of Parliament Yogender Chandolia, Media Head Praveen Shankar Kapoor, and Vikram Mittal.
After the visit, Sachdeva expressed disappointment that political figures like Kejriwal engage in spreading false narratives during election campaigns, thereby hurting religious sentiments and lacking respect for the sanctity of deities.
Sachdeva also reminded the public of Kejriwal’s election speeches from 2015 to 2023, where he shared tales of his grandmother lamenting the demolition of the Babri structure and opposed temple construction.
“This is the same Arvind Kejriwal who will forever be remembered for suggesting the replacement of temples with hospitals as part of his anti-temple discourse,” he concluded.
