Lieutenant Governor Accuses Delhi Government of Approving Demolition of Nine Temples Last Year

The office of Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has accused the AAP government of approving the demolition of nine temples in Delhi last year. This accusation follows a letter from Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, who claimed that a religious committee under the lieutenant governor's authority had ordered the demolition of six religious structures, including Hindu temples and a Buddhist site, during a meeting on November 22.

Allegations and Responses

In response to these claims, the Raj Niwas issued a statement asserting that former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had recommended demolishing nine temples on February 8 of the previous year. The statement also mentioned that Kejriwal and then Home Minister Manish Sisodia approved the committee's recommendations for these demolitions. Seven temples were located in Karawal Nagar, and two were in New Usmanpur, according to documentary evidence cited by the statement.

The lieutenant governor's office further alleged that in 2016, then Home Minister Satyendra Jain approved the demolition of eight temples across Delhi. Documents indicate that between 2016 and 2023, Kejriwal and his ministers approved the demolition of 24 Hindu religious structures, including 22 temples, and one Muslim structure.

Religious Sensitivities and Political Tensions

In 2017, Jain reportedly rejected recommendations to demolish two unmarked mazaars due to religious sensitivities, despite the committee finding no historical significance for these structures. Only five to ten people visited them weekly. The removal was necessary for constructing a grade separator from Filmistan Cinema to DCM Chowk, with land transferred from Northern Railways to MCD.

The lieutenant governor's office demanded an apology from AAP for its allegations against Saxena. In response, AAP accused Saxena of trying to divert attention from the issue. AAP questioned whether the principal secretary home, heading the Religious Committee, was appointed by the BJP-led central government and if this committee approved demolishing five temples and one Buddhist structure.

AAP further alleged that officers appointed by the central government directly control the Religious Committee. They claimed that Saxena was caught attempting to order temple demolitions through members he appointed in the Religious Committee as per an order dated November 22, 2024. AAP suggested this was an attempt to distract attention.

As assembly elections near, tensions between AAP and BJP have intensified over various issues. These include a monthly honorarium scheme for temple priests and granthis at gurudwaras. Political accusations have escalated, with AAP alleging BJP plans to demolish temples.