Kejriwal Defends Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana Amid BJP Criticism

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal addresses BJP's allegations regarding the Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana. Kejriwal advocates the scheme which offers monthly stipends to temple priests and Gurudwara granthis in Delhi as a model for other states, while BJP claims it's a populist move before elections.

Arvind Kejriwal, the National Convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), defended the Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticism. The announcement, made Tuesday ahead of the 2025 Delhi Assembly Elections, promises a monthly honorarium of Rs 18,000 to temple priests and Gurudwara granthis in Delhi.

In a pointed response on X, Kejriwal questioned the BJP's motives behind their criticism, highlighting the party's long-standing control in 20 states, including 30 years in Gujarat, without similar initiatives. He urged the BJP to adopt the scheme instead of maligning him.

Kejriwal, joined by his wife Sunita, and Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, are set to officially launch the scheme from Connaught Place and Karol Bagh, respectively. Meanwhile, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva accused Kejriwal of making populist promises to cling to power, citing pressure from BJP's Pujari Prakosht movement.

(With inputs from agencies.)