New Delhi: Delhi chief minister Atishi in a letter to Lieutenant Governor (LG) Vinai Kumar Saxena on Tuesday raised concerns over an alleged order to demolish multiple religious structures in the city, urging him to reconsider the decision. In the letter, she claimed that the Religious Committee, under LG’s directives had approved the demolition of several temples and Buddhist structures in the city, adding that these religious structures include those revered by the Dalit community.
Atishi also alleged that the Delhi government was bypassed in these decisions, accusing the LG’s office of undermining the elected administration. “It has been decided by the Religious Committee—on your directions and with your approval—to demolish multiple religious structures across Delhi,” she wrote, adding, “These include many temples and Buddhist places of worship that hold significant importance to the Dalit community.”
LG’s office dismisses Atishi’s claims
She stressed that the elected government must be consulted on matters that impact the religious sentiments of the residents. “On behalf of the people of Delhi, I request you not to demolish any of these temples and places of worship,” the letter read.
The LG’s office dismissed Atishi’s claims, saying that no temples or religious structures were slated for demolition. A spokesperson from the LG Secretariat, reacting to the CM’s letter said, “Neither any temples, mosques, churches, nor other places of worship are being demolished, nor has any file to this effect come. The CM is playing cheap politics to divert attention from her and her predecessor’s failures.”
Growing friction between LG and CM
The statement also added the strict instructions from the LG to prevent politically motivated vandalism. “His instructions are being strictly followed, as seen during the peaceful Christmas celebrations, which did not witness any untoward incidents,” the spokesperson added.
The exchange between the CM and the LG’s office is latest in the ongoing friction between Atishi and LG. Earlier on Monday, LG Saxena had written a letter to Atishi after AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal referred her as a “temporary CM”. The LG termed the statement an affront to constitutional values. Atishi then replied by saying, “All elected officials, including me, are temporary by nature and should not be subjected to petty political criticism.”
