Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Manoj Tiwari launched a scathing attack on Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, accusing her of being a mere puppet controlled by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal. Tiwari also raised questions about AAP’s record on temple construction during its tenure.
“Nobody is listening to Atishi nowadays; she is just a puppet of Arvind Kejriwal, who is using her as a remote,” Tiwari said. Speaking at a public event, he further challenged AAP’s commitment to Hindu religious institutions. “Arvind Kejriwal was in power for 10 years. How many temples did they build? We are the ones who make temples. If there is even a little bit of ethics left with Arvind Kejriwal and his party, count the total amount you’ve paid to maulvis and pay the same amount to pujaris, then we’ll be on your side,” he added.
Atishi Accuses BJP of Duplicity
In a sharp rebuttal, CM Atishi accused the BJP of hypocrisy, alleging that while they project themselves as protectors of Hinduism, they secretly orchestrate temple demolitions.
Addressing the media, Atishi said, “The dual face of BJP is revealed through such orders. On the one hand, they pretend to protect Hinduism, while on the other, they secretly instruct their appointed officers and LG to demolish temples.”
Atishi cited a recent meeting of the Religious Committee held on November 22, during which decisions were allegedly made to demolish several temples across Delhi, including those in West Patel Nagar, Dilshad Garden, Seemapuri, Gokalpuri, New Usmanpur, and Sultanpuri. A Buddhist temple in Sundar Nagari was also reportedly included in the demolition plans.
A Growing Political Rift
The ongoing exchange highlights the growing rift between the BJP and AAP over religious and governance issues in Delhi. While Tiwari’s comments sought to challenge AAP’s Hindu voter base, Atishi’s counterattack accused the BJP of undermining the very religious values it claims to uphold.