On Tuesday, Delhi chief minister Atishi raised concerns over the order for the demolition of multiple religious structures in the city, and urged Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena to reconsider the orders.
The Delhi CM said that the demolition orders, issued in a meeting held on November 22, 2024, were bypassing the Delhi government’s involvement, with all decisions now routed through the Lieutenant Governor’s office.
In a letter addressed to Saxena, Atishi said that the Religious Committee had decided to demolish several temples and Buddhist structures across Delhi, including those held dear by the Dalit community. She added that, given the elected government’s role in protecting the religious sentiments of Delhi’s people, such decisions should not be taken without consultation.
“On behalf of the people of Delhi, I request you not to demolish any of these temples and places of worship,” she wrote. LG office responded to the allegations of Atishi that neither any religious structure was being demolished nor any such file to this effect came. LG office accused Atishi of playing cheap politics.
LG office said, “CM is playing cheap politics to divert attention from her and her predecessor CM’s failures.” It further said, “If at all, LG has issued strict instructions to the Police to maintain extra vigil against forces who may indulge in deliberate vandalism for political benefits. His instructions are being strictly followed, as was witnessed during the just gone Christmas celebrations which did not see any untoward incident.”
