New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday questioned Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his visits to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, alleging that despite referring to the temple numerous times in public speeches and interviews, Shah had not visited the shrine since its consecration in January 2024.
Kejriwal’s remarks came amid the ongoing investigation into the alleged theft of donations from the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, an issue that has triggered a political exchange between the AAP and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Kejriwal questions Shah’s absence from Ayodhya
In a post on X, Kejriwal claimed that two-and-a-half years, or 891 days, had passed since the consecration of the Ram Temple and alleged that Amit Shah had not visited the temple during that period.
He further claimed that after reviewing public records and media reports, he found that Shah had mentioned the Ram Temple more than 42 times in speeches and interviews.
“He has time to seek votes in the name of Ram, but no time to visit the temple,” Kejriwal alleged.
The AAP leader also posed a series of questions to the Union Home Minister, asking why he had not visited the temple, whether he wished to seek Lord Ram’s blessings, and whether he regarded Lord Ram as God.
Kejriwal urged Shah to visit the Ayodhya temple, stating that devotees would expect political leaders associated with the Ram Temple movement to offer prayers at the shrine.
Raises temple donation theft issue
Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal also referred to the ongoing investigation into the alleged theft of donations from the Ayodhya Ram Mandir.
He alleged that the present governments at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh would not ensure that those responsible for the alleged theft are punished.
“If you want the donation thieves to be punished, then the government must be changed. The present Central government and the present State government cannot ensure punishment,” he said.
He further appealed to devotees seeking action in the case to vote for a change in government.
Alleges BJP exploits religious sentiments
Kejriwal also accused the BJP of using religious sentiments for political purposes.
He said leaders who invoke Lord Ram’s name should also demonstrate their faith by visiting the temple and expressing gratitude.
According to Kejriwal, Lord Ram had played a significant role in the BJP’s electoral success by helping the party form governments at the Centre and in several states.
He further alleged that the BJP had used Sanatan only for political power and financial gain, adding that more details related to the ongoing controversy would emerge.
BJP yet to respond
At the time of publication, there was no immediate response from the BJP or Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Kejriwal’s allegations.
The investigation into the alleged donation theft at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir remains underway, with authorities continuing to probe the matter.
Conclusion
Arvind Kejriwal’s remarks have added a political dimension to the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged Ayodhya Ram Mandir donation theft. While he questioned Amit Shah over his absence from the temple and criticised the BJP’s handling of the issue, an official response from the BJP is awaited.