As the conversion controversy raged on, Delhi BJP and the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Friday lambasted the Kejriwal Government, and termed the AAP as an “anti Hindu Party.”
Questioning the presence of the Delhi Minister Rajendra Pal Gautam at the event, BJP leaders asked Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to sack Gautam within 24 hours.
The VHP also slammed Gautam and demanded his sacking. The RSS-affiliate also urged the Delhi Police and Lieutenant-Governor V K Saxena to take "strictest action" against Gautam, alleging that administering of oaths to people at the event attended by the Minister hurt the sentiments of Hindus.
"We do not have any problem with people embracing Buddhism at the event. Hinduism and Buddhism are not separate. But the way our gods and goddesses were openly scorned at the event is not acceptable," VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal said. Addressing the media, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia accused the AAP of hurting the sentiments of Hindus and alleged that "Gautam's comments highlight the hate the party has for the community." Bhatia claimed the comments were made due to "vote bank" politics in light of the coming elections."How low you will stoop for votes, Kejriwal," he asked.
Calling it an insult to Hinduism and Buddhism, Delhi BJP MP Manoj Tiwari said, "This is an insult to Hinduism and Buddhism. AAP Ministers are attempting to incite riots. The Minister should immediately be removed from the party. We are submitting a complaint against him."
In charge of the BJP IT cell, Amit Malviya also took a jibe at Gautam and Tweeted, "I will not consider the deities of Hinduism as Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh, Shri Ram, Shri Krishna as God, nor will I worship them. Arvind Kejriwal’s Minister Rajendra Pal executing the ‘Breaking India’ project. Make no mistake, Kejriwal is the prime sponsor of this Hindu hate propaganda…"Hitting out at Gautam, West Delhi MP Parvesh Verma Tweeted, “Every day, news of conversions comes from AAP-ruled Punjab. Similarly, Kejriwal's Minister Rajendra Pal is now conducting a mass conversion of people in Delhi.”
The Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri said, “It’s shameful as the AAP Minister was involved in conversion activity in Delhi and now their activities have come out in open and he has no right to remain a Minister.”
Delhi BJP president Adesh Gupta has termed act as “Hindu virodhi” and further asked their leaders not to pretend by going to Hindu temples.