"Political Stunt": BJP's Praveen Khandelwal attacks Kejriwal for introducing schemes ahead of Delhi assembly polls

New Delhi [India], January 1 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Praveen Khandelwal on Wednesday lashed out at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal, saying that the Delhi government's treasury was empty and the announcements made by the former Chief Minister were merely a "political stunt."
The BJP leader said that AAP doesn't intend to give money to anyone and their intention was only to benefit electorally.
"He (Arvind Kejriwal) is an expert at making announcements. First, he announced money for Imams and couldn't fulfil and now he is targeting Pujari and Granthi. This is a political stunt and their treasury is empty. Arvind Kejriwal will not give anyone anything. Why don't they give it now since they are in power in Delhi? They won't give because they don't intend to. The intention is only to benefit electorally," Khandelwal told ANI.
The Delhi Government on Tuesday announced the official launch of the registration process for the 'Pujari Granthi Samman' scheme, aimed at financially supporting Gurudwara priests.
An announcement regarding the launch of the scheme was made by former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on Monday, December 30. The scheme offers a monthly grant of Rs 18,000 to every temple and Gurudwara priest in Delhi.
"Today, the scheme was launched by Arvind Kejriwal at the Hanuman temple in Connaught Place. The registration process for the scheme also began today at Sant Sujan Singh ji Maharaj's Gurdwara," Delhi Chief Minister Atishi told reporters.
She further said the importance of the initiative, noting that the Granthis (Gurudwara priests) had expressed appreciation for the scheme, calling it a major step forward.
"The Granthis said that this is probably the first government after Maharaja Ranjit Singh's government that is worried for the Granthis," Atishi added, highlighting the historic nature of this move.
The scheme aims to provide financial security and recognition to religious leaders who serve in temples and Gurudwaras.
"When the Arvind Kejriwal government was formed in Delhi, every temple and Gurudwara priest was promised Rs 18,000 under this scheme," Atishi said.
Meanwhile, BJP Lok Sabha MP Bansuri Swaraj criticized former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal over the 'Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana'.
She alleged that the scheme is intended to appease voters ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Delhi. Addressing a press conference, Swaraj said that Kejriwal had introduced a new kind of appeasement politics, calling it 'Arvind's appeasement.'
She further urged the Delhi government to implement the scheme immediately and not wait for the elections to conclude. (ANI)