Kejriwal Escalates Attack on BJP, Links Opposition to 'Demonic Tendencies'

Former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal (PTI photo)

NEW DELHI: Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday escalated the Aam Aadmi Party's political attack on the BJP, claiming that those opposing the recitation of the 'Sundarkand' have "demonic tendencies". "Lord Rama had said - 'In Kaliyuga, people with demonic tendencies will oppose the recitation of the Sundarakanda'," Kejriwal wrote in a post, hitting back at the Delhi BJP's criticism of the event. He also said in a post on X: "Today, we performed the recitation of the Sunderkand with the resolve that for those people who have looted our revered Lord Ram's home, we will not rest in peace until we ensure they receive the punishment of hanging." The exchange comes amid a political slugfest over the AAP supremo's religious outreach, with the BJP accusing him of using faith for electoral gains. Earlier in the day, Kejriwal, along with his wife Sunita Kejriwal and senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia, attended a Sundarkand Path at Japanese Park in Rohini. The event is part of the party's campaign over the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Addressing a press conference, Former Delhi CM Kejriwal accused the BJP of exploiting "Raam Naam" for votes and alleged that the ruling party had "betrayed Lord Ram". He also demanded strict punishment for those allegedly involved in the Ram Mandir donation theft, saying the "thieves" and "decoits" behind the controversy should be punished and hanged. The BJP, however, dismissed the event as political posturing. Delhi BJP president Harsh Malhotra described Kejriwal as a "political Hindu" and termed the Sundarkand Path a "political gimmick", "theatrics" and a "charade". Speaking to news agency ANI, Malhotra alleged that the AAP chief invokes religion only when elections approach. "Today, Mr Kejriwal is once again reminded of Lord Ram. He is a 'political Hindu.' His theatrics have begun anew. Back in January 2024, he had organised Sundarkand recitations, held once a month on Tuesdays, because the 2024 elections were approaching. Now, he has once again resorted to this Sundarkand charade," Malhotra told ANI. He further claimed that the public was no longer convinced by such gestures. "Lord Ram stands for truth. The people of Delhi and the country have fully understood this Sundarkand drama of yours," he said.