Chief Minister Atishi’s claims that his administration had issued an order to demolish Hindu and Buddhist houses of worship in the capital were rejected by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Tuesday. In order to deflect criticism of the government’s “failures,” he charged that the Chief Minister was engaging in “cheap politics.”
In a statement, the Lt Governor’s Secretariat stated that no churches, mosques, temples, or other places of worship were being demolished. The office even added that it had not received any files to this effect.
“If at all, the LG has issued strict instructions to the police to maintain extra vigil against forces who may indulge in deliberate vandalism for political benefits. His instructions are being strictly followed, as was witnessed during the just gone Christmas celebrations which did not see any untoward incident,” the Lt Governor said.
The ‘Religious Committee’ ordered the demolition of the religious structures in the national capital in a meeting on November 22, the Chief Minister wrote in a letter to the Lieutenant Governor.
“It has been decided by the Religious Committee on your directions, and with your approval to demolish multiple religious structures across Delhi,” she alleged.
Atishi also enumerated the places of worship that, in her opinion, were designated for demolition. These featured numerous temples and Buddhist places of worship. “The religious structures were situated at West Patel Nagar, Dilshad Garden, Sunder Nagri, Seema Puri, Gokal Puri, and Usmanpur,” she asserted.
“As elected representatives who are constantly in touch with the people of Delhi, we would ensure that no religious sentiments were hurt,” she added.
Atishi also cited an order that she said was issued by the Lt Governor’s office last year, stating that it said that the destruction of religious buildings is a matter of “public order” and falls under Saxena’s office’s direct jurisdiction.
“Since then, the work of the Religious Committee has been directly monitored by you. All files of the Religious Committee are routed from the Home department to the LG office, completely bypassing the Chief Minister and the Home Minister,” Atishi added.
The Lieutenant Governor denied the AAP’s accusations, stating that no such action had taken place.
