With the Lok Sabha elections drawing near, the political atmosphere is buzzing with activity. Rallies and corner meetings have become omnipresent as the Delhi BJP turns to the city's temples as a rallying point for voters. On the 21st, they are set to organize a significant program, issuing invitations to priests from across the small and large temples of Delhi, heralding a gathering of enormous scale.
Thousands, including Shankaracharya and Mahamandaleshwar, to Attend
According to the Delhi BJP, around 49,000 temples across the country and 51,000 individuals, including Shankaracharyas, Mahamandaleshwars, and priests, will participate in this event. They will come together to recite the Hanuman Chalisa in unison.
The chief of the Delhi BJP's temple wing, Karnail Singh, claims that this event will be historic - a first in the country where such a large assembly of Shankaracharyas, Mahamandaleshwars, and temple priests will take place. While the event is religious in nature, it holds significant political implications, especially with elections on the horizon. Such events are common in Delhi before elections; similar scenes were observed during the last Legislative Assembly polls, with leaders from rival parties paying respects at ancient Hanuman temples to secure the Hindu vote.
What Are BJP's Allegations?
BJP accuses its political rival, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), of being 'election-season Hindus,' who remember Hindu deities like Hanuman and Ram during elections, but prioritize others for financial purposes. Notably, the AAP government in Delhi has enacted a fixed salary for imams of various mosques.
Temples' Priests to Present Demands to Modi Government
Since the BJP brought up the issue of AAP granting salaries to imams, the temple priests have also expressed their desire for similar treatment. They hope to use this event to advocate for salaries from the Delhi or Central Government, similar to that provided to the mosque imams.
