As Delhi heads into its Assembly elections, the political rivalry between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) intensifies. In a strategic move today, AAP delivered a significant blow to the BJP by successfully infiltrating its Temple Wing, drawing several of its key members to join AAP. In a ceremonial event led by AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal, numerous religious leaders were welcomed into the party, with Kejriwal personally draping them in saffron shawls. The event also marked the launch of AAP’s "Sanatan Seva Samiti," signaling the party's growing outreach to religious communities.
Over 100 members from BJP’s Temple Wing joined AAP, in a move AAP claims is backed by priests across Delhi, who are reportedly offering their blessings to the party. This follows AAP’s recent announcement to provide a monthly salary of ₹18,000 to priests and granthis. AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj revealed that notable individuals such as Vijay Sharma, Jitendra Sharma, Acharya Brijesh Sharma, Manish Gupta, Dushyant Sharma, Udaykant Jha, Virendra Sohandas, and Shravan Das are among the new entrants. Kejriwal emphasized the party's ongoing work for Sanatan Dharma, acknowledging the tireless efforts of priests and saints who serve as the vital link between the devotees and the divine.