Delhi Lt Governor refutes Atishi’s temple demolition allegations: Cheap politics

Delhi Lieutenant Governor, VK Saxena, on Tuesday rubbished as “cheap politics” Chief Minister Atishi’s charges.

In which she alleged that an order was issued by his office to demolish Hindu and Buddhist places of worship in the capital. Refuting the Chief Minister’s allegations, the Lt Governor’s Secretariat issued a statement saying that no religious structures or any temples, mosques, churches were being demolished. The office even went on to add that no file was received by it to this effect either.

The senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, in a letter to the Lt Governor, said that as per her information, a meeting of the ‘Religious Committee’ under him was held on November 22 and an order was passed to demolish certain religious structures in Delhi.

“It has been decided by the Religious Committee on your directions, and with your approval to demolish multiple religious structures across Delhi,” Chief Minister Atishi said in her letter addressed to VK Saxena.

Atishi also listed out the religious structures that, according to her, were marked to be demolished. “The religious structures were situated at West Patel Nagar, Dilshad Garden, Sunder Nagri, Seema Puri, Gokal Puri and Usmanpur,” she claimed, adding that these included many temples and Buddhist places of worship.

“As elected representatives who are constantly in touch with the people of Delhi, we would ensure that no religious sentiments were hurt,” she added.

The Lieutenant Governor replied to Atishi’s allegations and said that she was indulging in “cheap politics”.

“If at all, the Lt Governor has issued strict instructions to the police to maintain extra vigil against forces who may indulge in deliberate vandalism for political benefits. His instructions are being strictly followed, as was witnessed during the just gone Christmas celebrations which did not see any untoward incident,” the Lt Governor’s office said.

Atishi also referred to an order that, as she claimed, was issued last year by the Lt Governor’s office, and alleged that it said that the demolition of religious structures is a matter related to “public order” and would be directly under the purview of Saxena’s office.

“Since then, the work of the Religious Committee has been directly monitored by you. All files of the Religious Committee are routed from the Home department to the LG office, completely bypassing the Chief Minister and the Home Minister,” Atishi maintained.