Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday responded to the BJP’s criticism of the newly announced Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana, a scheme offering honorariums to temple priests and Gurudwara granthis in Delhi. The scheme, launched ahead of the 2025 Delhi Assembly Elections, promises monthly payments of ₹18,000.
Addressing the criticism on X (formerly Twitter), Mr. Kejriwal questioned the BJP’s stance and highlighted the lack of similar initiatives in the 20 states ruled by the party.
Kejriwal’s Response to BJP Criticism
“BJP people have been abusing me since yesterday, ever since the Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana was announced. My question to them is, will the country benefit from abusing me? You have governments in 20 states and have been in power in Gujarat for 30 years. Why haven’t you respected the priests and granthis there till now? Come on, do it now. I have shown the way to everyone. Instead of abusing me, why don’t you implement it in your 20 states, then everyone will benefit?” Kejriwal posted on X.
Scheme Launch Details
The scheme was launched in Delhi with Mr. Kejriwal and his wife Sunita Kejriwal visiting the Hanuman Temple at Connaught Place. Simultaneously, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi launched the initiative from a Gurudwara in Karol Bagh.
Kejriwal reiterated that the scheme sets a precedent for recognizing the contributions of religious leaders. “Today, along with my wife, I will launch the Priest Granthi Samman Yojana from the Hanuman Temple at Connaught Place. Atishi ji will launch this scheme from the Gurudwara located in Karol Bagh,” he said.
BJP’s Counterattack
Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva dismissed the scheme as a “populist announcement” aimed at retaining power. “Arvind Kejriwal is now a defeated and desperate leader making daily populist announcements to stay in power. The AAP government has to explain in court why they didn’t extend similar benefits to Maulavis. Now, they are using Lord Ram’s name to regain ground,” Sachdeva stated at a press conference.
Sachdeva also alleged that the scheme was announced due to pressure from BJP’s Pujari Prakosht, which has been advocating for priests’ welfare for two years.
