The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday held a Sundarkand recitation at Japanese Park in Rohini, New Delhi, where party chief Arvind Kejriwal declared a nationwide signature campaign demanding strict action against individuals allegedly involved in the theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Kejriwal's announcement and religious appeal
Kejriwal, in a post on X, invited the public to join the religious event, stating that prayers would be offered to Lord Hanuman regarding the incident. He said, 'We will pray to Lord Hanuman for strict punishment to be given to those who committed the donation theft in Ram Temple, and with his blessings, we will launch a signature campaign across the country.'
The AAP convener explained that the campaign aims to gather public support for action against those responsible for the alleged theft. The signature drive is set to commence immediately after the Sundarkand recitation.
BJP's criticism and allegations
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the event, with Delhi BJP president Harsh Malhotra calling it a 'political gimmick' intended to boost Kejriwal's political standing. Malhotra alleged that Kejriwal organized the program to influence voters in Punjab and other states with upcoming elections.
Malhotra also questioned why the AAP leader discontinued the Sundarkand recitation programs announced by the Delhi government in 2024. He claimed that the AAP government had promised weekly Sundarkand recitations in all 70 Assembly constituencies of Delhi that year, but the initiative was later abandoned.
Political context and implications
The announcement comes amid ongoing political tensions between AAP and BJP, with both parties trading accusations over religious and governance issues. The signature campaign is expected to mobilize AAP supporters and draw attention to the alleged mishandling of funds at the Ram Temple, a site of national significance.
Kejriwal's move is seen as an attempt to consolidate his party's base among Hindu voters while challenging the BJP's narrative on temple-related matters. The success of the campaign may hinge on public perception of the alleged theft and the credibility of the accusations.
