Kejriwal announces nationwide signature campaign over Ram temple donation 'theft'

New Delhi, Jul 12 (PTI) The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday launched a nationwide signature campaign demanding strict punishment for those allegedly involved in the donation theft at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, following which a Sundarkand recitation programme was organised by the party at the Japanese Park in Rohini. AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal said the campaign was being launched with the blessings of Lord Hanuman and appealed to people to participate by signing letters addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking strict action against those responsible for what the party termed "chanda-chori" at the temple. As part of the campaign, Kejriwal appealed to people to organise Hanuman Chalisa recitations and Hanuman Aarti at their homes, residential societies and other localities, gather devotees and encourage them to sign the letter addressed to the prime minister. He noted that the signature campaign would be carried out across the country and was not limited to AAP workers. He also said Ram devotees and people who were hurt by the alleged developments would participate in the campaign, with signed letters later being sent to the prime minister. Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal accused those responsible for the alleged misconduct related to the Ram temple of being shielded from accountability and called for strict punishment for them. Meanwhile, the Delhi BJP criticised the AAP's move, with Delhi BJP president Harsh Malhotra alleging that organising Sundarkand recitations was a "political gimmick" aimed at reviving Kejriwal's political fortunes. He accused Kejriwal of using religious programs for political advantage and questioned why the Sundarkand recitation initiatives announced by the AAP government in 2024 had not been continued. He also alleged that the initiative was aimed at influencing voters in states where elections are due. The BJP leader further accused Kejriwal of displaying "hypocritical devotion" in the name of Lord Hanuman and the Sundarkand Paath, while referring to his earlier remarks on the Ram temple issue. PTI SHB MPL MPL