NEW DELHI: In the lead-up to the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal has announced the ‘Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana,’ proposing a monthly honorarium of ₹18,000 for Hindu temple priests and Sikh gurdwara granthis.
Kejriwal, accompanied by his wife Sunita, initiated the scheme at the Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place, while Delhi Chief Minister Atishi launched it at a gurdwara in Karol Bagh.
The scheme has drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accuses Kejriwal of engaging in opportunistic politics. The Delhi BJP labeled him a “chunavi Hindu,” suggesting his concern for Hindu priests emerges only during election periods. They highlighted that during his previous tenure, Kejriwal’s administration provided salaries to imams but did not extend similar support to Hindu and Sikh religious leaders.
Kejriwal responded to the backlash by questioning the BJP’s opposition to the scheme, stating, “Why do you abuse me?” He emphasized that the initiative is a pioneering effort to honor religious leaders who have traditionally been overlooked. Kejriwal urged other states to adopt similar measures, citing his government’s track record of innovative policies in education, healthcare, and women’s welfare.
The announcement comes amid controversies surrounding other AAP initiatives, such as the ‘Mahila Samman Yojana,’ which offers stipends to unemployed women. Critics argue that these schemes are politically motivated, aiming to garner votes ahead of the elections.
As the election approaches, the ‘Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana’ has become a focal point of debate, with supporters praising its inclusivity and detractors questioning its timing and intent. The scheme’s impact on the electoral landscape remains to be seen.
Source: Web Team, C6N
