NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party MLA Atishi reached Sriniwaspuri in south Delhi on Saturday afternoon to protest a notice of demolition sent to the Neel Kanth Mahadev Mandir there. Atishi also shared an image of a letter issued by the Union housing and urban affairs ministry’s Land & Development Office.
The April 13 letter states that the temple stands on government land and has to be vacated within seven days. Despite repeated attempts, the ministry didn’t respond to phone calls and a query sent by TOI.
Atishi, who reached the spot along with AAP MLA Madan Lal, said that this was BJP’s new trend of ‘bulldozer politics and justice’. “They have gone as far as issuing a demolition notice to a temple. What is this undying need to make money that they are attacking people’s faith? Even the Neelkanth Mandir will be left in ruins under their bulldozer justice?” she said.
Atishi said that local residents informed AAP about the demolition notice and the protest is not merely an AAP initiative, but an agitation that is inspired by the people of the area “against BJP’s injustice”. “The people have resolved not to let anyone attack their abode of faith at any cost,” Atishi said.
Temple priest Acharya Rajendra Prasad Parashar said the people had been emotionally connected with the temple for several years. "This is an ancient temple and in 2002, it was redeveloped and no notice for demolition was even sent to us in the past," he said.
He further said on the night of April 13, the notice was posted on the temple's wall. "The next day, I saw the notice and informed the committee members and other people," he claimed.
Grocer Neelam, who has a shop near the temple, said, “I have seen this temple since 1984. We have celebrated all festivals at the temple. Every morning, I pray at the temple before opening my shop.”
A 75-year-old Sita Pahuja said she had been worshipping at the temple for the past 25 years. "We have been connected with the temple. The temple should not be demolished," she insisted.
Atishi joined residents who were singing hymns in the temple. Madanlal, who was seen speaking with the residents, said that the temple was not creating hindrance to anyone or to the traffic, so the action is unjustified.
Meanwhile, a board at the spot declared, ‘Redevelopment of the general pool, residential colony in Sriniwaspuri’.
