Political tensions are escalating in Delhi ahead of the upcoming Kaavad Yatra (pilgrimage). Following Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s announcement of providing 1200 units of free electricity and financial assistance through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Kaavad camps, the All India Majlis Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) has bly objected, claiming the move is biased. AIMIM argues that if religious events receive government support, similar facilities should be offered for other religious occasions like Muharram.
Kapil Mishra’s Response
Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra responded sharply to AIMIM’s statement, directly attacking the party. He stated that parties like AIMIM deliberately create controversies to polarize Muslim votes. Mishra emphatically declared, “They won’t provide assistance for Muharram either, because the government’s objective is to respect the people and traditions, not to indulge in appeasement.” He characterized AIMIM’s remarks as inflammatory and argued that supporting religious events aligns with the spirit of the constitution.
Mishra accused AIMIM of practicing communal politics, asserting that the party is attempting to divide the public through such objections. He highlighted that the Kaavad Yatra is a widespread event involving millions of devotees and that administrative support is crucial for its smooth operation.
Ashish Sood Calls AIMIM a Symbol of Communal Politics
Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood also criticized AIMIM regarding the issue. He stated that AIMIM lacks the moral authority to comment, as the party has consistently sought to polarize votes based on religion from its inception. Sood questioned, “How can a party whose name begins with ‘Muslim’ talk about secularism?”
Sood emphasized that the Delhi government’s assistance is intended to honor a cultural and religious tradition, not a specific community. He also clarified that it’s not a facade of “freebies,” but a pragmatic administrative decision made with the aim of ensuring the successful operation and security of the pilgrimage.
Government’s Focus
Both Kapil Mishra and Ashish Sood stressed that the Delhi government’s support for religious events is driven by a responsibility, not a political motive. They dismissed AIMIM’s opposition as baseless and inflammatory.
They reiterated that the government’s primary objective is to respect people’s faith, not to benefit any particular group. The Kaavad Yatra is one of the largest religious events in North India, and the administration plays a vital role in its successful execution.
