The LG's office released documents indicating that on February 8, 2024, then Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Home Minister Manish Sisodia approved the demolition of nine temples. Seven of these were located in Karawal Nagar, and two in New Usmanpur. The LG's statement emphasized that from 2016 to 2023, the AAP government approved the demolition of 24 Hindu religious structures, including 22 temples, and only one Muslim site.
In response, Chief Minister Atishi accused the BJP-led central government of hypocrisy, alleging that it ordered the demolition of several places of worship in Delhi. She questioned the LG's role in these decisions, suggesting that the Religious Committee, which operates under the central government's jurisdiction, approved the demolitions without consulting the Delhi government's ministers.
The LG's office countered by highlighting instances from 2016 and 2017, where the AAP government approved demolitions of temples but rejected recommendations to remove two unmarked mazaars, citing religious sensitivities. This selective approach, according to the LG's office, underscores the AAP's politicization of religious matters.
As Delhi approaches assembly elections, these allegations have intensified the political rivalry between AAP and BJP. Both parties accuse each other of manipulating religious sentiments for electoral gain, further polarizing the electorate.
The controversy has also brought to light the complexities of governance in Delhi, where the division of powers between the elected government and the centrally appointed LG often leads to administrative conflicts. The Religious Committee's role and its decision-making process are now under scrutiny, with calls for greater transparency and accountability.
Public reaction to the demolition allegations has been mixed. While some citizens express concern over the removal of religious structures, others emphasize the need for urban development and adherence to legal frameworks. Religious leaders have urged both the government and opposition to handle such sensitive issues with care, to maintain communal harmony in the capital.
In the midst of this political tussle, the actual status of the demolished or targeted structures remains unclear. There is a lack of detailed information on the specific reasons for their demolition, the legal procedures followed, and whether any compensatory measures, such as relocation or reconstruction, have been considered.