A controversy erupted on social media platform Twitter over Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s demand for images of Hindu deities being printed on new currency notes.
Many Twitter users trolled him and dubbed the CM’s demand as just a political gimmick before the forthcoming Gujarat elections. Some also accused Kejriwal of hypocrisy, saying he just banned crackers before Diwali and is now suggesting photos of Lakshmi and Ganesha be put on currency notes, while several others questioned why the AAP leader "who was talking about schools and hospitals earlier" made such a remark.
Some Muslim Twitter users called him a ‘Chhota Recharge’ of the RSS while others pointed out that India is a secular country and hence images of Hindu deities should not be put up on currency notes. One Twitter user even wondered what would have happened if AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi would have suggested printing ‘La Ilaha Illallah’ (there is no God but Allah) on currency notes.
Former AAP leader Ashutosh mocked Kejriwal and tweeted, "Wow … what a great economic mantra given by @ArvindKejriwal … great suggestion for @RishiSunak to uplift Britain's economy. @narendramodi should immediately sack all economic advisors .. Follow his advice… India Will prosper."
Filmmaker Ashok Pandit tweeted, "I condemn the statement issued by Delhi CM @ArvindKejriwal where he has said that Ganeshji's & Laxmi ji's pic should be there on Indian currency. By this, he is creating a divide between different religions...."
A Twitter user pointed out that Kejriwal has mentioned about the currency of Muslim-majority Indonesia.
Kamlesh Uniyal took it to Twitter to comment, “From Insulting & Mocking Swastika to asking for Ganesh & Lakshmi printed on Indian Currency ... It took Delhi election to Gujarat election for chameleon #ArvindKejriwal to go for such drastic change. But people are not fool. He will still lose the Gujarat election.”