BY PC Bureau
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Tuesday voiced strong opposition to the proposed demolition of several religious structures in the city, urging Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena to reconsider the orders. The LG office has office dismissed the claims as baseless, and a exercise in “cheap politics.”
In a letter addressed to the LG, Atishi claimed that the Religious Committee, acting under Saxena’s directives, had decided to demolish multiple temples and Buddhist sites, including those deeply significant to the Dalit community. She wrote, “The list of religious structures to be demolished includes many temples and Buddhist places of worship revered by the Dalit community. These decisions, taken under your directions, bypass the involvement of the elected Delhi government.”
The Chief Minister expressed concern that the orders, reportedly issued during a November 22, 2024 meeting, excluded the Delhi government from discussions. Atishi emphasized the government’s responsibility to protect the religious sentiments of the people and urged that such decisions not be made unilaterally. “On behalf of the people of Delhi, I request you to halt the demolition of these temples and places of worship,” she appealed.
LG’s Office Responds: “No Places of Worship Being Demolished”
Responding to Atishi’s letter, the LG’s office dismissed the claims as baseless, asserting that no religious structures were slated for demolition. A spokesperson for the LG Secretariat stated, “No temples, mosques, churches, or any other places of worship are being demolished. No such files have been received. The CM’s claims are nothing more than cheap political tactics aimed at diverting attention from her and her predecessor’s shortcomings.”
The statement further clarified that strict measures had been implemented to prevent any politically motivated acts of vandalism. It highlighted the recent peaceful Christmas celebrations as an example of effective governance. “The LG has instructed the police to remain vigilant against any politically motivated disturbances. These measures ensured a smooth Christmas celebration without incidents,” the statement added.
This latest exchange underscores the growing rift between Atishi and the Lieutenant Governor, with both sides accusing each other of political maneuvering. Atishi had previously criticized the LG for acting as a proxy for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging interference in key initiatives of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, particularly programs aimed at empowering women.
The tensions follow an earlier dispute involving remarks by AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, who referred to Atishi as a “temporary CM.” Saxena condemned the statement as unconstitutional, prompting Atishi to defend her position by asserting that all elected officials hold temporary roles.
As Delhi gears up for its upcoming elections, the friction between the AAP government and the LG’s office continues to fuel political debates, with issues of governance and accountability taking center stage.
