Delhi CM Atishi Marlena alleges BJP planning to demolish Hindu temples, Buddhist site

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Wednesday (January 1) accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of planning to demolish Hindu temples and a Buddhist site in various parts of the city, a charge the BJP refuted, calling it an attempt to "disturb" communal harmony.

Atishi alleged in a letter to Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena that a "Religious Committee" under his authority had decided during a November 22 meeting to demolish six religious structures, including Hindu temples and a Buddhist site.

Atishi claimed the six sites slated for demolition are in West Patel Nagar, Dilshad Garden, Sunder Nagri, Seema Puri, Gokal Puri, and New Usmanpur. The CM said the Buddhist site in Sunder Nagri contains a statue of BR Ambedkar.

At a press conference, Atishi presented a copy of the Religious Committee's meeting minutes and accused the LG of approving the decision. "The file of the committee's order was sent to the BJP-led Centre's representative, the LG. The LG has given his approval," the CM said.

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She added that authorities, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), district magistrates, and police, were preparing for the demolitions.

Delhi LG, BJP respond

The LG's office dismissed the claim as "cheap politics," asserting that no demolition orders had been received.

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva demanded that Atishi retract her statement, warning that she would be held responsible for any unrest arising from her claims.

The accusations come amid a heated political battle between the BJP and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections in February.

Responding to the accusations, Sachdeva said the Religious Committee is chaired by the Delhi home minister, who reports to both the chief minister and the LG. He called on Atishi to clarify whether the committee under her government had recommended the demolitions.

"By making this statement about temple demolitions, the chief minister has tried to disturb the communal harmony of Delhi," Sachdeva said in a statement.

"The two-faced BJP has been exposed," Atishi said. "On one hand, it claims to defend Hindus, and on the other, it secretly plans to demolish temples."

With inputs from agencies