Political tussle over religious places in Delhi, LG accuses Atishi of “cheap politics”

The political atmosphere is heated in view of the assembly elections in Delhi. Chief Minister Atishi to Lieutenant Governor V.K. A political debate has erupted over the letter written to Saxena to save religious places from demolition. The Lieutenant Governor not only denied these allegations, but also accused the Chief Minister of playing “petty politics”.

What did the Lieutenant Governor’s office say?

Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena’s secretariat completely rejected the allegations of demolition of religious places.

• Refutation of allegations: The Secretariat clarified that neither any temple, mosque, church, or other place of worship is being demolished nor has any file in this regard reached the LG office.
• Strict instructions: LG has directed the police to keep a strict vigil on any such mischievous activity which may spread communal tension for political gains.
• Emphasis on peace and order: He said that no untoward incident took place during the recent Christmas celebrations, which is a proof of the strictness of the administration.

Atishi’s letter: What are the allegations?

Chief Minister Atishi said in a letter to the LG that in the religious committee meeting on November 22, orders were given to demolish religious structures in various areas of Delhi.

• Role of Lieutenant Governor: Atishi alleged that all decisions related to religious places are now being taken by the LG office.
• Appeal to religious sentiments: He wrote that such a step would hurt the religious sentiments of the local communities.
• Question on Home Department: Atishi said that the Home Department is directly informing the LG office without informing the Chief Minister and the concerned Minister.

LG hits back: Accuses of “cheap politics”

LG Secretariat reacted strongly to Atishi’s allegations.

• Allegation of diverting political attention: LG said that the Chief Minister is raising such issues to divert attention from her own and previous Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s failures.
• Allegation of misleading the public: The secretariat termed it as “petty politics” and said that it is being done only for political gains.

Old dispute between LG and Atishi

This is not the first time that there has been a conflict between the LG and the AAP government.

• Controversy over temporary chief minister: On Monday, the LG, in a letter, had objected to Arvind Kejriwal calling Atishi a “temporary chief minister”.
• The LG was hurt: He saw it as an insult to his position as the President’s representative and expressed strong displeasure.

Political implications and conclusions

This dispute regarding religious places can become an important issue of electoral politics.

• AAP’s strategy: Chief Minister Atishi is trying to attack BJP and LG by appealing to religious sentiments.
• LG’s stand: The Lieutenant Governor has made it clear that the priority of the administration is to maintain peace and order.
• Political implications: This dispute may bring religious and administrative issues into the center of discussion in the coming elections.

This new tussle in Delhi politics may become more intense in the coming days, where each side will make bets to strengthen its position.