BJP calls Kejriwal 'Chunavi Hindu' compares him to Bhool Bhulaiyaa's chota pandit

The Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has sharply criticized Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal after he promised ₹18,000 per month to temple priests and gurdwara granthis in the lead-up to the Delhi Assembly elections. The BJP accused Kejriwal of using religion as a political tool, labeling him a "chunavi Hindu" (Hindu for elections). In a poster shared by the BJP, Kejriwal is depicted in a priest-like avatar, adorned with rudraksha beads, flower garlands, and vermilion, resembling a theatrical character. The BJP's verse in the poster criticized Kejriwal’s past actions related to Hindu religious figures, suggesting that his current stance was a mere electoral tactic.

The verse in the BJP's poster reads, "Mandir jana hai bas mere liye ek chalaava, pujariyon ka samman bas mera chunavi dikhava, sanatan dharma ka maine hamesha mazak banaya." This translates to: "Visiting temples is just a façade for me, respect for priests is merely an electoral gimmick, I’ve always ridiculed Sanatan Dharma." The BJP questioned Kejriwal's sudden concern for priests, citing his previous record, including support for imam salaries, opposition to the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, and allowing the establishment of liquor shops near temples and gurdwaras. BJP leaders argued that Kejriwal had neglected the priestly community in the past and was now using them for electoral gain.

Kejriwal responded to the BJP’s criticism by challenging the party to implement similar schemes in the 20 states where it governs. He pointed out that the BJP has been in power for over 30 years in Gujarat and has not taken any action to support priests or granthis. Kejriwal questioned whether the country would benefit from continuous criticism of him and urged the BJP to follow his lead by offering financial support to religious figures in states under their control. He emphasized that his initiative is a genuine effort to support religious workers and called on the BJP to act in their states.

The Pujari Granthi Samman Rashi Scheme, introduced by Kejriwal, aims to provide financial assistance to temple priests and gurdwara granthis. The scheme will grant ₹18,000 per month to these religious figures, who Kejriwal described as an important but often neglected part of society. The AAP leader stated that this is the first time such a scheme has been proposed in India, addressing the financial challenges faced by priests and granthis. The scheme is part of AAP's broader welfare agenda, which includes promises targeting women, Dalits, senior citizens, and the provision of round-the-clock water supply.

Despite Kejriwal’s defense, the announcement has sparked backlash from both the BJP and Congress. Delhi BJP chief Veerendra Sachdeva dismissed the proposal as a "political stunt" and accused Kejriwal of desperation to stay in power. BJP leaders, including former Delhi MP Parvesh Verma, criticized Kejriwal for focusing on priests now when he had previously ignored their concerns. Congress, led by Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav, also criticized the move as a "desperate attempt" to influence voters ahead of the elections. However, Kejriwal's proposal has added fuel to the ongoing political debate as the Delhi Assembly elections approach, with each party accusing the other of using religion to sway voters.