New Delhi [India], July 12 : Delhi BJP President Harsh Malhotra on Sunday launched a scathing attack on AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal, labelling him a "political Hindu" and dismissing the Aam Aadmi Party's 'Sundarkand Path' as "theatrics" and a "charade."
The remarks follow the participation of Arvind Kejriwal, along with his wife Sunita Kejriwal and senior party leader Manish Sisodia, in a Sundarkand Path held at Japanese Park on Sunday.
Speaking to ANI, the BJP leader accused Kejriwal of using religion for political gain when elections are near.
"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 at several locations throughout the year because the 2024 elections were approaching. Now, he has once again resorted to this Sundarkand charade," Malhotra said.
Malhotra also invoked Kejriwal's past statements regarding the Ram Temple construction to highlight alleged hypocrisy.
"I wish to remind him that he himself once said his grandmother told him not to visit the Ram Mandir because it was built after demolishing a mosque; consequently, he did not go. At that time, these were the thoughts he harboured regarding Lord Ram. Today, however, he has sought refuge in Ram," the BJP leader remarked.
Malhotra asserted the public has seen through what he termed "drama."
"Lord Ram stands for truth. The people of Delhi and the country have fully understood this Sundarkand drama of yours," he said.
However, defending the religious gathering, AAP leader Sanjeev Jha maintained that the prayer was a way to protect the faith from those exploiting it.
"We used to organise a 'patth' at the party office every Tuesday. This question is arising today because Lord Ram has exposed those individuals who, while cloaking themselves in the mantle of Sanatan Dharma, attempted to plunder Ram Mandir. Today, we are offering prayers to safeguard our religion from those who are harming it, that is why BJP members are raising these questions," Jha said.
He further took a dig at the BJP for its opposition to the event. "If they were true followers of Sanatan Dharma, they would be happy to see the faith spreading and the Lord's name being chanted everywhere. Instead, they are agitated," Jha added.