L-G dismisses CM Atishi’s claim on temple demolitions

A war of words erupted between Lieutenant Governor (L-G) VK Saxena and Delhi Chief Minister Atishi over allegations concerning the demolition of religious structures in the National Capital. In response to Atishi’s claims, the L-G dismissed the accusations.

Party’s response

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It is evident the officers in question have been appointed by the Central Government and the L-G directly oversees the Religious Committee. This suggests the L-G may have attempted to orchestrate the demolition of temples through committee members appointed by him, based on the order issued on 22 November, 2024. As a result, the L-G now appears to be attempting to divert attention away from these actions.

CM Atishi alleged the L-G had directed a religious committee to approve the demolition of multiple religious sites.

The L-G Secretariat countered the allegations by releasing documents that suggested such demolitions had been approved during the tenure of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders. It said Kejriwal had approved the demolition of nine temples in Delhi on February 8. The L-G Secretariat also pointed to a 2016 decision by former Home Minister Satyendra Jain, who approved the demolition of eight temples.

“Given these facts, those making allegations against the L-G Secretariat should retract their statements, apologise and avoid engaging in divisive politics,” an official from the L-G Secretariat said.

Atishi’s had stated,“It has been decided by the religious committee on your directions and with your approval, to demolish multiple religious structures across Delhi. The demolition of these structures would hurt the religious sentiments of these communities. I request you not to demolish any temple or place of worship.”

Atishi accused the demolitions of reflecting communal motives, which led to a rebuttal from the L-G office. Between 2016 and 2023, a total of 24 religious structures were reportedly approved for demolition. The L-G Secretariat clarified some of these demolitions were part of public infrastructure projects, including the grade separator project between Filmistan Cinema in Karol Bagh and DCM Chowk in Kisanganj.

However, on July 17, 2017, Satyendra Jain had rejected a religious committee recommendation to demolish two ‘mazaars’, citing “religious sentiments and sensitivities,” even though the committee had found no historical significance in the structures.