Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal made a significant promise on Monday, December 30, vowing to provide a monthly salary of Rs 18,000 to priests of temples and granthis of gurudwaras if the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) secures victory in the upcoming elections.
Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal expressed his appreciation for the role priests and granthis play in preserving religious traditions, noting their selfless service to society. “Priests and granthis have been the custodians of our religious customs, serving society selflessly. Unfortunately, no one has ever taken care of their financial well-being,” Kejriwal said.
The AAP leader also announced that registration for the new scheme would begin the following day, with Kejriwal himself set to launch the process at the Hanuman Temple. He urged the BJP not to interfere with the registration process, stating that any such obstruction would be akin to “committing a sin” as these religious figures are integral to the community’s connection to God.
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This announcement is the latest in a series of welfare schemes introduced by Kejriwal. Earlier, the AAP government rolled out the Sanjeevani Scheme, aimed at providing free healthcare for senior citizens above the age of 60, and the Mahila Samman Yojana, offering Rs 2,100 in assistance to women.
In the same press conference, Kejriwal launched a sharp critique of the BJP, specifically over accusations that the party was involved in settling illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants in Delhi to influence the voter base. He called on the BJP to take action against Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, who Kejriwal claims has information on the resettlement of Rohingyas in the city. “Stop the drama and arrest Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. He has all the data about where Rohingyas have been resettled or rehabilitated. If the BJP knows so much, why aren’t they taking action?” Kejriwal remarked.
The Delhi Assembly elections are expected to take place before February 2024.
