Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday addressed the BJP’s criticism over the launch of the Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana, introduced ahead of the 2025 Delhi Assembly Elections. The scheme, which promises a monthly honorarium of ₹18,000 for temple priests and Gurudwara granthis in Delhi, is set to be inaugurated today.
Responding to the backlash on X, Mr. Kejriwal questioned the BJP’s approach, asking whether such criticism benefits the nation. He pointed out that despite ruling in 20 states, including 30 uninterrupted years in Gujarat, the BJP has failed to implement similar initiatives for priests and granthis in their jurisdictions.
“BJP members have been attacking me since the announcement of the Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana. My question is, will abusing me help the country? You have governments in 20 states and decades of rule in Gujarat. Why haven’t you respected priests and granthis there? I’ve set an example in Delhi. Instead of criticizing me, replicate this in your states so everyone benefits,” Mr. Kejriwal remarked.
The scheme’s launch will take place at the Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place, led by Mr. Kejriwal and his wife, Sunita Kejriwal, while Delhi Chief Minister Atishi will officiate the launch from a Gurudwara in Karol Bagh.
“Today, my wife and I will inaugurate the Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana at the Hanuman Temple, and Atishi ji will do the same at the Karol Bagh Gurudwara,” Mr. Kejriwal announced on X.
The initiative, revealed on Monday, is expected to take effect if AAP retains power in the upcoming polls. However, the announcement has sparked sharp reactions from the BJP, with Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva calling Mr. Kejriwal a “defeated and desperate leader resorting to populist measures.”
Speaking at a press conference, Mr. Sachdeva accused the AAP government of neglecting religious leaders, saying, “Kejriwal is now making desperate populist announcements to stay in power. They’ve had to answer in court for not compensating priests and granthis like maulvis. Now, under pressure from our movement, they’ve hurriedly announced this scheme.”
He also accused Mr. Kejriwal of invoking Lord Ram as a last resort to regain voter trust. “Facing defeat, suddenly ‘Ram naam yaad aa raha hai’ (you remember Lord Ram),” Mr. Sachdeva added.
The BJP claims the scheme is a result of sustained pressure from their Pujari Prakosht movement, which has been advocating for this cause for over two years.
