Atishi accuses BJP of ordering demolition of worship places

Chief Minister Atishi on Thursday accused the BJP-led Central Government of misleading the public and ordering the demolition of several religious structures, including temples and Buddhist sites, across the national capital.

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Citing documents from a meeting of the Religious Committee held on November 22, Atishi claimed the meeting, chaired by the Principal Secretary (Home), approved demolitions in areas such as Seemapuri, New Usmanpur and Mangolpuri.

Atishi stated the Religious Committee, which was previously under the jurisdiction of the Delhi Home Minister, was transferred to the Lieutenant Governor’s (LG) office following a directive issued last year. She quoted the LG as saying demolitions of religious sites are now considered a law-and-order problem, which falls under the Central Government’s purview. As a result, the elected Delhi Government, including the Home Minister and Chief Minister, no longer have a say in such matters.

“The decisions of the Religious Committee are now made by the Principal Secretary (Home), an official appointed by the Central Government. These decisions are then sent directly to the LG for approval, without consultation with the Delhi Government,” Atishi said.

AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal voiced his concerns on social media, stating, “On one hand, BJP is strongly opposing the payment of honorarium to pujaris and granthis and on the other hand, it is preparing to demolish temples.”

Atishi listed several religious sites earmarked for demolition, including temples in West Patel Nagar, Dilshad Garden, Seemapuri, Gokulpuri and New Usmanpur. Other sites included a Hanuman statue in Ambedkar Park, Sultanpuri and a Buddhist site in Sunder Nagri.

She said the Delhi Police had already been instructed to provide personnel for the demolitions and that preparations were underway. “At the November 22 meeting, the Religious Committee made decisions regarding these demolitions and the file was then sent to the LG for approval. Now, the DDA, MCD, Delhi Police and district authorities, including the DM and SDM, are preparing to carry out these demolitions,” she added.

Atishi also referenced an incident from last year when a portion of a Shani Temple in Vinod Nagar, Patparganj, was demolished.

Appealing directly to the Central Government and the LG, Atishi said, “These temples and religious sites are deeply connected to people’s faith. Demolishing them will deeply hurt their sentiments. I humbly request the LG and the Central Government not to demolish any temples, religious sites, Buddhist sites or the statue of Lord Hanuman, as this will cause immense emotional harm to the people.”