Delhi CM Atishi Alleges BJP Govt Plans to Demolish Temples in Delhi

By A Staff Reporter

Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has accused the BJP-led central government and the Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) of planning to demolish several religious structures, including temples and Buddhist temples, in various parts of the capital.

Atishi claimed that there is a Religious Committee responsible for decisions regarding the shifting or demolition of religious places, which until last year was overseen by the Delhi government’s Home Minister. However, she alleged that the Delhi LG has now taken control over such decisions.

“The Religious Committee used to function under the Home Minister of Delhi. All decisions were made after the approval of the Home Minister. But last year, the Delhi LG took over, declaring that the demolition of religious places falls under law and order, hence it now comes under his jurisdiction,” Atishi said in her statement.

She further accused the LG’s office of misleading the public regarding the demolition plans, stating, “Yesterday, the LG’s office told the media that there is no order to demolish temples, but this is a lie. In the meeting held on 22 November, it was decided to demolish several temples in West Patel Nagar, Dilshad Garden, Seemapuri, Gokalpuri, New Usmanpur, and Sultanpuri, as well as a Buddhist temple in Sundar Nagari.”

Atishi’s remarks are backed by her claim that the minutes of the Religious Committee’s meeting include these decisions, and that the LG has approved the demolitions, which are now being prepared by district officials.