Punjab BJP – Dhillon Questions Kejriwal’s Temple Remarks During Punjab Visit

Punjab BJP –  Punjab political developments remain in focus after BJP state president Kewal Singh Dhillon criticised Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal over his recent references to Hindu temples and religious issues in the state.

Dhillon said on Wednesday that Kejriwal’s statements about constructing temples in Punjab lacked credibility when viewed alongside his earlier position on the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The BJP leader alleged that Kejriwal had previously suggested that a hospital should be built instead of the temple and was now raising religious issues only because of electoral considerations.

BJP leader alleges election-driven religious outreach

In a statement, Dhillon said Kejriwal’s repeated mentions of Hindu traditions and temple construction during his Punjab visit appeared to be aimed at attracting votes. He claimed that the AAP leader’s political approach towards Sanatan Dharma and religious institutions had changed according to electoral needs.

Dhillon said the people of Punjab were capable of judging such statements and would not be influenced by what he described as political messaging around faith. According to him, religious beliefs should not be used as a tool during election campaigns.

Reference made to Ayodhya consecration ceremony

The Punjab BJP president also referred to the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya. He said Kejriwal did not attend the consecration event, which was held amid widespread public participation and religious celebrations across the country.

Dhillon alleged that Kejriwal instead organised a Sundarkand recital in Delhi at the time, calling it a politically planned move. He said the AAP national convener was now attempting to connect with Hindu voters in Punjab by speaking about temples and religious identity.

Dhillon raises questions over religious remarks

The BJP leader also mentioned controversy surrounding remarks attributed to Kejriwal about Ravana in January 2025. Dhillon said that someone facing criticism over comments linked to Hindu religious traditions should avoid making public statements that appear to offer lessons on faith.

He said leaders should show a consistent understanding and respect for religious beliefs rather than referring to them selectively. Dhillon added that Punjab has a strong spiritual and cultural heritage, and voters would evaluate political claims carefully.

Questions over Delhi government’s record

Dhillon challenged Kejriwal to outline the work carried out by the Delhi government for major Hindu temples and religious institutions during the AAP’s time in power in the national capital. He said Kejriwal should explain whether his government had taken meaningful steps for the preservation of religious and cultural sites.

Before making commitments in Punjab, Dhillon said, Kejriwal should provide details about his administration’s record in Delhi. He alleged that the AAP had not made sufficient efforts to support Hindu religious institutions despite governing Delhi for around a decade.

Punjab politics likely to remain contentious

Dhillon further accused the AAP government of failing Punjab during its four-and-a-half-year tenure. He said leaders who had governed the state should focus on answering questions about administration and public welfare rather than using religious issues to rebuild political support.

The BJP leader maintained that Punjab residents would not permit their religious sentiments to be used for electoral advantage. He also claimed that Kejriwal, after losing power in Delhi, was attempting to strengthen his political position in Punjab through religious outreach.

The Aam Aadmi Party had not issued an immediate response to Dhillon’s remarks at the time of publication.