AAP to launch signature campaign for action in Ram Temple donation row

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will launch a pan-India signature campaign on Sunday demanding that those who “stole” from the Ram Temple in Ayodhya be “hanged”. It also accused the Centre of protecting the culprits. 

As part of the campaign, a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be signed by people across India. 

“It appears that instead of ensuring that those responsible for wrongdoing against bhagwanji are punished, attempts are being made to protect them. It seems that the SIT and the FIR are merely an attempt to mislead the public and bury the matter. Eight junior workers have been arrested while efforts are being made to shield the powerful,” reads the draft of the letter shared by the party. 

“Prime Minister, please do not do this. Those guilty of stealing from the Mandir of Bhagwan Ram should be hanged. Protecting them is ‘mahapaap’ (grave sin),” the draft said. 

The AAP has been targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Prime Minister over the issue. 

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal said on Friday that the party will organise a ‘Sunderkand’ [from the Ramayana] recitation at Japanese Park in Sector 10 of Rohini at 10 a.m., after which the campaign will be launched.

“Eight low-level individuals have been arrested and sent to jail, while every effort is being made to shield the big names. In such a situation, the people must raise their voice. I appeal to all ‘bhakts’ and followers of bhagwan Ram to attend in large numbers. After the Sunderkand recitation, we will seek the blessings of bhagwan Hanuman and launch a signature campaign,” Mr. Kejriwal said while addressing a press conference.