Ayodhya: Aam Aadmi Party National Convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal visited the holy city of Ayodhya on Friday, offering prayers at the historic Hanuman Garhi temple and performing darshan of Lord Ram at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. What began as a spiritual visit quickly shifted into a high-stakes political confrontation as Kejriwal used the platform to launch a scathing attack against the ruling establishment. Addressing a press conference alongside Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, the AAP leader alleged that a massive robbery had taken place under the guise of temple donations and accused authorities of shielding the powerful architects of the alleged scam.
During his press interaction, Kejriwal asserted that public sentiment across the country demands severe accountability, claiming citizens believe justice will only be served when the bigwigs involved in the alleged financial irregularities are awarded the death penalty. Directing his criticism at the Bharatiya Janata Party, the former chief minister pointed out that the ruling party had established the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and had handpicked its General Secretary, Champat Rai. Kejriwal questioned the integrity of the investigation, asking why no First Information Report had been registered against Rai and alleging that the administrative machinery was actively protecting top-tier officials while scapegoating lower-level personnel.
The AAP leader further characterized the existing FIR linked to the donation irregularities as a mere eyewash designed to distract the public. He argued that an institutional scam of such a large scale and duration could not have been executed solely by junior clerks without the complicity of higher-level executives. Drawing a sharp contrast between ancient ideals and modern political conduct, Kejriwal invoked the righteousness of Lord Ram, who famously renounced power for a 14-year exile to honor his father’s command. He alleged that the ruling party had ascended to power by invoking the name of the deity, only to turn the sacred temple project into a victim of monetary greed.
Despite the intense political rhetoric, the Aam Aadmi Party emphasized the spiritual significance of the visit, noting that Kejriwal received formal blessings from local saints after performing traditional rituals at Hanuman Garhi. Reflecting on his experience inside the newly constructed shrine, the former chief minister described the opportunity to stand before the deity as a matter of immense fortune. He concluded his visit by acknowledging the grand structure as a monumental symbol of faith, reverence, and pride for crores of devotees worldwide.
