Punjab Politics – BJP Questions Kejriwal’s Temple Statements Before State Polls

Punjab Politics –  Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon on Wednesday criticised Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal over his recent comments on Sanatan Dharma and temple construction, alleging that the remarks were linked to the approaching Punjab Assembly elections. The state is expected to go to the polls early next year.

BJP Raises Questions Over Religious Outreach

In a statement, Dhillon said Kejriwal’s recent references to Hindu religious traditions and temples appeared to be aimed at building electoral support. He described the AAP leader’s position as a shift from his earlier views and accused him of bringing religious issues into the campaign at a politically convenient time.

Dhillon referred to Kejriwal’s past comments concerning the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, when he had suggested that a hospital could be built instead. He said this made Kejriwal’s current support for new temple projects in Punjab open to question.

AAP Chief’s Recent Remarks

The BJP leader’s comments followed Kejriwal’s recent assertion that the Aam Aadmi Party was a “true Sanatani” organisation that had worked with devotion towards Sanatan values. Kejriwal had also accused the BJP of invoking Lord Ram’s name for political benefit.

During a visit to Punjab last month, Kejriwal announced plans for a large temple dedicated to Luv, Kush and Mata Janaki in Amritsar. The proposal has since become part of the wider political exchange between the BJP and AAP in the state.

Dhillon said the announcement and Kejriwal’s religious messaging should be viewed in the context of the upcoming election. According to him, the AAP chief was attempting to use faith-related issues to influence voters.

Reference to Ayodhya Ceremony

Dhillon also mentioned the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, alleging that Kejriwal did not attend the event. He claimed that Kejriwal instead organised a Sundarkand recital in Delhi, which Dhillon described as politically motivated.

The BJP leader further alleged that Kejriwal’s repeated comments on Hinduism and temple development during his Punjab visit were driven by electoral calculations. He said religious institutions and Sanatan traditions should not be used as tools in political campaigns.

Debate Over Religious Knowledge

Dhillon questioned Kejriwal’s understanding of Hindu religious texts, referring to criticism faced by the AAP leader over remarks related to Ravana in January 2025. The BJP had previously accused Kejriwal of incorrectly quoting the Ramayan and making comments it said were disrespectful to Lord Ram and Sita.

He said political leaders should be careful while speaking on matters of faith and should not make religious claims without a proper understanding of the subject.

Challenge on Delhi’s Temple Development

Dhillon also asked Kejriwal to explain what his Delhi government had done over the past decade for the development of major temples or Hindu religious institutions in the national capital.

Turning his attention to the AAP government in Punjab, Dhillon alleged that the party had failed the state during its four-and-a-half years in office. He said AAP leaders had little authority to speak on religious matters while facing criticism over governance issues.

Dhillon further claimed that Kejriwal was trying to strengthen his political position in Punjab after AAP lost power in Delhi. He said Punjab voters would not support attempts to use religious sentiment for electoral advantage.