AAP Announces Rs 18,000 Monthly Allowance for Temple Priests and Gurdwara Granthis Ahead of Delhi Elections
As the Delhi Assembly elections approach, Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have unveiled a new proposal that could significantly impact the city’s religious leaders. On Monday, Kejriwal announced the launch of the Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana, a welfare scheme that will provide a monthly allowance of Rs 18,000 to Hindu temple priests (pujaris) and gurdwara granthis. The scheme aims to support these often overlooked members of society, who play a crucial role in religious communities but have historically faced financial challenges.
This announcement marks a major step in AAP’s efforts to solidify its standing among religious communities ahead of the 2024 Delhi Assembly elections, where the party seeks to retain its power for a fourth consecutive term. The move is likely to stir significant political discussions as Kejriwal balances his commitment to religious groups with his party’s secular image.
Kejriwal’s Announcement: Aimed at Supporting Religious Leaders
The Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana was introduced with the intent to provide financial stability to temple priests and gurdwara granthis, a group Kejriwal described as “often neglected.” In his statement, the AAP supremo emphasized the important role these individuals play in society, not only in maintaining the spiritual and cultural practices of their communities but also in contributing to social cohesion.
“Pujaris and granthis are an important part of our society, but they are often a neglected section. For the first time in the country, we are introducing a scheme to support them, under which they will receive a monthly allowance of Rs 18,000,” Kejriwal said during his announcement.
The scheme is being marketed as a groundbreaking initiative that recognizes the contributions of religious leaders who, according to Kejriwal, often face financial difficulties despite their integral role in society. With an election looming, the announcement serves as an attempt by the AAP to connect with the city’s religious communities in a more tangible way.
Scheme Details and Implementation
The monthly Rs 18,000 allowance will be made available to both Hindu temple priests and Sikh gurdwara granthis, who typically do not receive a stable income for their services. According to Kejriwal, the registration for the scheme will begin promptly, with plans to start the process at the Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place on Tuesday.
The Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana is being marketed as an inclusive initiative, aimed at easing the financial burden on religious leaders regardless of their faith. The AAP claims that the program will be the first of its kind in India, underscoring its commitment to supporting religious communities in the capital city.
A Key Part of AAP’s Election Strategy
The timing of this announcement is significant. With the Delhi Assembly elections on the horizon, AAP is looking to shore up its support base among religious voters. The party has already seen significant success in urban areas with its pro-development agenda, but this new scheme represents a more targeted outreach to religious communities that may feel underrepresented or neglected.
Kejriwal’s decision to introduce such a scheme comes after several years of growing competition among political parties for the votes of various religious groups. The BJP, Congress, and other regional parties have long used religious appeals as part of their strategies, and AAP appears to be adopting a similar approach. The financial support offered to religious leaders may be seen as a strategic move to counterbalance the narrative that the party is overly secular or disconnected from religious concerns.
Reactions from Political and Religious Circles
Reactions to the scheme have been mixed. Supporters of AAP argue that the allowance is a much-needed step toward recognizing the invaluable contributions of priests and granthis. It is seen as a way to address the often-overlooked segment of society that serves as the backbone of religious communities.
On the other hand, critics of the scheme question its timing and effectiveness. Opponents argue that such initiatives could be seen as a political move designed to gain favor with religious voters ahead of the elections. Furthermore, there are concerns that providing financial support to religious leaders could lead to the politicization of religious spaces.
Political analysts suggest that while the scheme may resonate with religious voters, it could also stir debates about the separation of religion and politics in India. With the country’s history of religious tensions and political divisions, AAP’s move to directly fund religious figures may be viewed with skepticism by some, especially in a city like Delhi, which is home to diverse communities and religious groups.
The Road Ahead for AAP
As the election season intensifies, AAP is likely to continue rolling out welfare schemes designed to bolster its position. The Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana is just one example of the party’s attempts to balance its secular image with efforts to reach out to religious communities.
The scheme, however, will not be without challenges. Opposition parties are already questioning whether this initiative is a genuine step toward welfare or a strategic election ploy. As Delhi voters prepare to head to the polls in 2024, the success of this scheme—and AAP’s broader election strategy—will depend on how well it resonates with the electorate and whether it is seen as an authentic effort to address the needs of religious leaders or simply a political maneuver.