CM Atishi accuses Delhi LG of approving temple demolition orders in the capital

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on January 1, 2025, accused Lieutenant Governor (LG) Vinai Kumar Saxena of approving the demolition of several temples and a Buddhist religious site in Delhi. Atishi, addressing a press conference, claimed that during a meeting held on November 22, 2024, by the Religious Committee, the decision was made to demolish temples in various locations across the capital. The identified sites included West Patel Nagar, Dilshad Garden, Seemapuri, Gokalpuri, New Usmanpur, and Sultanpuri, as well as a Buddhist temple in Sundar Nagri.

Atishi explained that the Religious Committee, which previously operated under the Delhi government’s Home Minister, had all decisions placed before the Home Minister for approval. However, she stated that last year, the jurisdiction of this committee was shifted to the Delhi LG's office. Since then, decisions regarding the demolition or relocation of religious structures are made directly by the LG’s office, with the Delhi Chief Minister and Home Minister having no involvement in the process. Atishi accused the BJP and its leadership of bypassing the Delhi government’s authority in such matters.

Atishi presented the minutes of the Religious Committee’s meeting held on November 22, 2024, as evidence of the demolition orders. According to her, the committee’s suggestions were sent directly to the LG’s office for approval. Atishi alleged that following the approval from the LG, the District Magistrates (DMs) and Sub-District Magistrates (SDMs) in the identified areas were preparing for the demolition of the religious sites. The Buddhist temple in Sundar Nagri, which houses a statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, was among the places slated for demolition, according to Atishi’s claims.

The Religious Committee is responsible for making decisions regarding religious sites in Delhi. Atishi highlighted that the committee is chaired by the Principal Secretary of the Delhi Home Department, and its recommendations are sent to the LG for final approval. She stated that the decision to transfer the authority of the committee to the LG was made in 2023, allowing the LG’s office to take charge of the demolition process, previously under the Home Minister’s jurisdiction.

The sites listed for demolition include key areas in Delhi, such as West Patel Nagar, Dilshad Garden, Seemapuri, Gokalpuri, New Usmanpur, and Sultanpuri, alongside the Buddhist temple in Sundar Nagri. Atishi strongly objected to the demolition of the Buddhist temple, which she stated is a significant religious site with historical importance. She further emphasized that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had committed to supporting religious leaders financially, including offering a monthly honorarium of Rs 18,000 to priests and granthis.

In response to the allegations, the LG’s office denied the existence of any demolition orders. The office labeled the claims as politically motivated, describing them as “cheap politics.” Atishi, however, stood by her assertions, maintaining that the minutes of the meeting were evidence that the demolitions were approved by the LG’s office.