Exclusion of Valmiki Temple Priests from Honorarium Scheme Highlights AAP's Anti-Dalit Sentiment: Congress
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Synopsis
On January 20, Congress criticized AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal for neglecting priests of Valmiki and Ravidas temples in their honorarium scheme. This exclusion is seen as indicative of AAP's anti-Dalit stance, as pointed out by Congress MP Jairam Ramesh. The upcoming Delhi Assembly elections are set for February 5.
Key Takeaways
- Congress critiques AAP's honorarium scheme.
- Priests of Valmiki and Ravidas temples excluded.
- Jairam Ramesh highlights anti-Dalit mindset.
- Reservation system in Delhi is being undermined.
- Caste census issue remains unaddressed.
New Delhi, Jan 20 (NationPress) The Congress party launched a critique against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, for omitting the priests of Valmiki and Ravidas temples from the party's honorarium initiative. In December, the AAP unveiled the Pujari-Granthi Samman Yojana, promising a monthly stipend of Rs 18,000 to temple priests and granthis from gurdwaras if they secure power.
Congress MP and General Secretary Jairam Ramesh, in a detailed post on X, lambasted Kejriwal for neglecting the priests from Valmiki and Ravidas temples, asserting that this decision reveals the anti-Dalit attitude of AAP and its leader.
Ramesh noted, “Arvind Kejriwal has made announcements regarding salaries for priests and granthis but has failed to include any mention of Buddha Vihar and the priests at Valmiki and Ravidas temples. This clearly highlights the anti-Dalit mindset of Aam Aadmi Party and Arvind Kejriwal, a mentality that is well-known.”
Continuing his critique, Ramesh pointed out that “Of the over 10 Rajya Sabha MPs from AAP, none belong to the SC/ST or OBC categories. During his tenure as Chief Minister, Kejriwal publicly humiliated and dismissed Dalit leader Rajendra Gautam from the cabinet. AAP is undermining the reservation system in Delhi by endorsing contracting practices.”
He further remarked that in the last decade, the representation of SC, ST, and OBC groups among consultants in various departments has been minimal.
The Congress party has been vocal about the caste census issue, yet Ramesh criticized Kejriwal for remaining silent on this matter.
“Today, while Congress leader and former MP Udit Raj protested against the injustices faced by Dalits at the hands of the Aam Aadmi Party, he was arrested. However, the Dalit community is increasingly aware of their superficial politics and is prepared to hold them accountable for their betrayal in the upcoming elections,” he stated on X.
The elections for the 70-member Delhi Assembly are scheduled for February 5.
The AAP is vying for a third consecutive term, facing significant competition from a resurgent BJP and the Congress party.
