Delhi’s former Chief Minister (CM) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Friday launched a verbal attack on the BJP-led Union Government, alleging that the party, which rose to power in the name of Lord Ram, would now face divine retribution over the alleged theft of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple, which kicked up a row over the past few weeks.
Addressing the media during his visit to Ayodhya, the national convenor of the AAP said that those accused of misappropriating the offerings of the devotees should face both legal action and social ostracism. He added that justice would ultimately prevail, regardless of any perceived shortcomings in the probe.
AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal
He said, “They came to power in the name of Lord Ram, and now Ram himself will drive them out,” taking a swipe at the ruling saffron party.
Kejriwal calls for social boycott of accused
Kejriwal pleaded with the commoners to socially boycott those allegedly involved in the donation embezzlement, as well as anyone who extends support to them. He asserted, “I appeal to society that whether the law acts or not, we will ensure that it does its duty. Lord Ram will also punish those responsible. Those who are ‘donation thieves’ and those backing them should be boycotted socially. Otherwise, they too will become partners in this sin.”
Notably, the Ram Lalla ‘Pran Pratishtha’ (consecration) ceremony was held in January 2024 in Ayodhya with thousands of guests in attendance. A few months later, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a decisive victory in the Lok Sabha polls, returning to power for a third consecutive term.
Lord Ram's idol at Ayodhya Temple
Police probe questioned, Kejriwal alleges cover-up
Reflecting on his visit to the Ram Temple earlier in the day, Kejriwal said that he had resolved not to rest until those responsible for the alleged wrongdoing were brought to justice.
He also addressed questions regarding the FIR registered in the case and the arrest of eight persons, dismissing them as an ‘eyewash.’ He claimed only junior employees had been arrested, while senior officials were being shielded.
He then claimed that media reports indicated a sharp decline in daily donations at the temple after the controversy. Underscoring that earlier, Rs 12-14 lakh were donated at the temple, which have now fallen to Rs 1 lakh, Kejriwal said the alleged scandal had eroded the faith of devotees drastically.