'Why do you abuse me?': Arvind Kejriwal after BJP's backlash over Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana

NEW DELHI: Arvind Kejriwal, the National Convenor of Aam Aadmi Party, addressed the BJP's critique on Tuesday regarding the Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana, scheduled for launch today, prior to the Delhi Assembly Elections 2025.

The initiative promises a monthly honorarium of Rs 18,000 to temple priests and Gurudwara granthis across Delhi.

Writing on X, Kejriwal addressed the continuous criticism from BJP members since the scheme's announcement, questioning the value of such opposition to the nation's interests.

He highlighted that whilst BJP governs 20 states and has administered Gujarat for three decades, they had not implemented similar measures to honour priests and granthis in their jurisdictions during their tenure.

Kejriwal additionally stated that his administration had demonstrated leadership by introducing this scheme in Delhi, suggesting that rather than criticising, the BJP should implement comparable programmes in their governed states.


"BJP people have been abusing me since yesterday, ever since the Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana was announced. My question to them is, will the country benefit from abusing me? You have governments in 20 states. You have been in power in Gujarat for 30 years. Why haven't you respected the priests and granthis there till now? Come on, do it now? I have shown the way to everyone. Instead of abusing me, why don't you implement it in your 20 states, then everyone will benefit? Why do you abuse me?" the AAP National Convenor said on X.

Arvind Kejriwal and his spouse Sunita Kejriwal are set to introduce the initiative at the Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place, whilst Delhi chief minister Atishi will commence the programme at a Gurudwara in Karol Bagh.

"Today, along with my wife, I will launch the Priest Granthi Samman Yojana from the Hanuman Temple at Connaught Place. Atishi ji will launch this scheme from the Gurudwara located in Karol Bagh," Kejriwal posted on X.

On Monday, Kejriwal unveiled the Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana, stating it would be executed after AAP secures victory in the forthcoming elections in the national capital.

In response to this scheme's announcement, Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva criticised the AAP administration, describing Arvind Kejriwal as a defeated and desperate leader resorting to "populist announcements to stay in power."

During a press briefing in the national capital, the Delhi BJP chief suggested that AAP's sudden invocation of 'Lord Ram' stems from their anticipated defeat in the Delhi elections.

"Arvind Kejriwal is now a defeated and desperate leader who is making daily populist announcements to stay in power. They (Delhi government) have to reply in court, why they didn't pay for Priests and Granthis like Maulavis - to get rid of that, they have announced this scheme (Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana)... When you (AAP) see that you are losing ground, 'tumhe Ram naam yaad aa raha hai'," Sachdeva said.

He further stated that persistent pressure from the Delhi BJP and its Pujari Prakosht over the past two years compelled Arvind Kejriwal to announce the Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana.
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