Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 22: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over allegations of theft of Lord Ram’s padukas (footwear) and necklace from a temple in Ayodhya.

AAP Rajya Sabha MP and Uttar Pradesh in-charge Sanjay Singh accused the BJP of failing to protect religious sentiments and alleged that those linked with the party had committed acts that hurt the faith of devotees.

Referring to the Ramayana, Singh said that King Bharat had ruled Ayodhya for 14 years by placing Lord Ram’s padukas on the throne during Ram’s exile, but “those associated with the BJP have allegedly stolen the same padukas.”

According to an AAP press release, Singh alleged irregularities in land deals connected with Ayodhya, claiming that land worth Rs 2 crore was purchased for Rs 18.5 crore, land worth Rs 3 crore was purchased for Rs 24 crore, and another property worth Rs 9 crore was bought for Rs 55 crore and Rs 47 lakh.

He also alleged that incidents involving theft from donation boxes and sacred Ram Shilas had earlier come to light, saying such incidents had caused distress among devotees.

“The people of the country will be shocked to learn that these dishonest individuals have even stolen Shri Ram’s Padukas and the garland from around his neck,” Singh said, accusing BJP leaders of being “donation thieves” and referring to the party as the “ED Party”.

Drawing a comparison with traditional social practices in villages, Singh said that even a person caught committing a small theft in a temple faces social boycott, but alleged that those in power were escaping accountability despite such accusations.

“These people have no right to remain in power and govern the country,” Singh said, adding that people should raise their voice against what he described as dishonesty.

The BJP has not yet responded to the allegations made by the AAP leader.