Churu: Marking the beginning of the new year, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal paid a visit to the revered Salasar Balaji shrine in Rajasthan’s Churu district. Accompanied by his wife, Sunita Kejriwal, the leader offered prayers and sought blessings at the temple, renowned for its religious significance.
Sharing his experience on social media platform “X,” Kejriwal wrote, “I arrived at Salasar Dham on the auspicious occasion of the new year, bowed my head at Shri Balaji’s feet, and accepted his blessings. I asked the Lord to provide everyone joy, wealth, and a promising future. May the blessings of Bajrangbali always remain on all of us.”
During his visit, the temple authorities presented Kejriwal with a picture of Lord Balaji. Known for publicly expressing his devotion to Bajrangbali, the AAP leader underscored his spiritual beliefs during this significant occasion.
Announcement of Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana
The day after his temple visit, Kejriwal unveiled the Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana, an initiative providing a monthly salary of ₹18,000 to all priests in Delhi temples and gurdwara granthis.
“This scheme reflects our respect for those who dedicate their lives to religious service. It ensures their financial well-being while honoring their invaluable role in society,” Kejriwal stated during the announcement.
With the Delhi assembly elections looming, the scheme has sparked a political controversy, drawing sharp reactions from opposition parties.
BJP Labels Move as “Election Gimmick”
Virendra Sachdeva, president of the Delhi BJP, criticized the initiative, labeling it an electoral ploy. “Priests in Delhi are fully aware that the BJP is their own religious party, supporting them through both happy and sad times. This scheme is merely an attempt to garner votes ahead of elections,” Sachdeva remarked.
He further emphasized the BJP’s longstanding commitment to religious leaders, contrasting it with what he termed as AAP’s newfound interest in religious welfare.
The announcement has stirred debate, with critics accusing AAP of adopting “soft Hindutva” for political gain, while supporters laud the scheme as a step towards acknowledging the contributions of religious workers.
Political and Social Implications
Kejriwal’s visit to Salasar Balaji and the subsequent policy announcement underline a strategic alignment of religious symbolism with governance. As Delhi gears up for its assembly elections, the move is likely to resonate with religious communities while intensifying the political rivalry between AAP and BJP.
For now, the initiative has placed temple priests and granthis in the spotlight, with the promise of enhanced welfare and recognition. Whether this policy shift influences the election outcome remains to be seen.
