Ram temple row: AAP launches nationwide signature campaign

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday launched a nationwide signature campaign demanding strict punishment for those allegedly involved in the donation theft at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, following which a Sundarkand recitation programme was organised by the party at the Japanese Park in Rohini.

AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal said the campaign was being launched with the blessings of Lord Hanuman and appealed to people to participate by signing letters addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking strict action against those responsible for what the party termed “chanda-chori” at the temple.

As part of the campaign, Kejriwal appealed to people to organise Hanuman Chalisa recitations and Hanuman Aarti at their homes, residential societies and other localities, gather devotees and encourage them to sign the letter addressed to the prime minister. He noted that the signature campaign would be carried out across the country and was not limited to AAP workers.

He also said Ram devotees and people who were hurt by the alleged developments would participate in the campaign, with signed letters later being sent to the prime minister.

Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal accused those responsible for the alleged misconduct related to the Ram temple of being shielded from accountability and called for strict punishment for them.

Meanwhile, the Delhi BJP criticised the AAP’s move, with Delhi BJP president Harsh Malhotra alleging that organising Sundarkand recitations was a “political gimmick” aimed at reviving Kejriwal’s political fortunes.

BJP slams Kejriwal over Sundarkand event, calls him ‘chunavi Hindu’

New Delhi: The BJP on Sunday criticised AAP’s Sundarkand event, organised to launch a signature campaign, calling it a “gimmick” by Arvind Kejriwal aimed at gaining electoral advantages in the upcoming state elections.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday launched the nationwide signature campaign demanding strict punishment for those involved in the alleged donation theft at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The campaign was kicked off with the recitation of ‘Sundarkand’ in the presence of party convener Arvind Kejriwal in Rohini.

Sundarkand is a chapter of Ramcharitmanas dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

Kejriwal said the campaign was being launched with the blessings of Lord Hanuman and appealed to people to participate by signing letters addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking strict action against those responsible for what the party termed “chanda-chori” at the temple.

Delhi BJP President Harsh Malhotra described Kejriwal’s Sundarkand recitation as nothing more than a “political gimmick” intended to bolster his political fortunes.

Malhotra accused Kejriwal of “insulting” the Hindu faith by displaying his “hypocritical devotion” in the name of Lord Hanuman and the Sundarkand Paath.

He also criticised Kejriwal for previously announcing a series of Shri Sundarkand Paath programs for 2024, which, according to him, he has since abandoned.

“When Kejriwal finds himself politically cornered, he tries to enhance his political standing by organising Sundarkand recitations in Delhi,” Malhotra said.