The moment Arvind Kejriwal arrived in Ayodhya, his visit ran into both political and religious resistance. As the Aam Aadmi Party's national convener and former Delhi Chief Minister set foot in the town, officials from the saint community, the priest community and the Sanatan Rakshak Dal opened a front against him. Those leading the protest argue plainly that anyone who once raised questions about Lord Ram and the Ram Mandir has now lost any moral right to visit Ayodhya.
Saints Open a Front After a Meeting
A section of the saint community has come out openly against the visit. The Sanatan Rakshak Dal, the Panda Purohit Samaj and several saints held a meeting, and at that meeting they decided to wave black flags at Kejriwal and burn his effigy. These groups have said their demonstration will take place at Gate No. 11 of the Ram Mandir complex.
Pointing to 'Controversial Statements'
Sanatan Rakshak Dal president Mukund Madhav Tripathi said the gathering of saints and the priest community had resolved to oppose Arvind Kejriwal. He alleged that Kejriwal had, in the past, made controversial remarks about the Ram Mandir and Lord Ram, which is precisely why his Ayodhya visit is now being opposed.
Panda Purohit Samaj president Rajesh Maharaj also directly questioned the visit. He asked why a person who had earlier raised doubts about the very existence of Lord Ram and about Ayodhya was now coming for darshan. He said the saint community and the priest community would jointly oppose the visit.
Allegation of Schools and Toilets Over a Temple
Saint Sitaram Das alleged that Arvind Kejriwal had earlier questioned the need for the Ram Mandir itself and had spoken of building a school and a toilet in place of the temple. He said Kejriwal was now coming to Ayodhya purely for political reasons, and so would be opposed. The saint community has announced it will show black flags, raise slogans and burn his effigy.
