In the midst of a controversy over his comments about the ‘deer in Ramayana,’ Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of having a deep affection for Ravana. Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal, the former Delhi chief minister, criticized the BJP for what he described as a “demonic nature” and warned that they would harm the slum dwellers of Delhi if they come to power.
The controversy erupted after Kejriwal commented that Ravana disguised himself as a golden deer, which led to an uproar from BJP leaders. “Yesterday, I said Ravana came as a golden deer, and Mother Sita wanted that deer. Now, they are saying it was Marichi, the demon, not Ravana. The BJP is protesting outside my house, asking why I insulted Ravana. They love Ravana so much. They are demonic,” Kejriwal remarked. He also warned the poor and slum dwellers of Delhi that if the BJP gains power, they will be oppressed like demons consuming the vulnerable.
In response, BJP leaders strongly condemned Kejriwal’s statements. BJP leader Manoj Tiwari accused the Delhi CM of being disconnected from Hindu traditions and labeled him a “Vidharmi” (anti-religious). “I am not surprised by his statement. It’s clear that Arvind Kejriwal pretends to be a ‘Chunavi Hindu’ (election-time Hindu). His words expose his lack of connection with Hinduism and Sanatan Dharma. The whole world knows the golden deer in Ramayana, but this Vidharmi Kejriwal is saying Ravana came in disguise,” Tiwari said.
Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva also criticized Kejriwal, accusing him of insulting Sanatan Dharma and misinterpreting the Ramcharitmanas. He questioned Kejriwal’s sudden interest in Hindu temples, suggesting that his actions were politically motivated.
The comments come ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, which are scheduled to be held on February 5, with results to be declared on February 8.
