NEW DELHI: A fresh row erupted between AAP and BJP on Friday after a video clip showing Delhi minister Rajendra Pal Gautam denouncing Hindu deities while taking an oath at a mass religious conversion event in the capital went viral. The mass conversion event, called Dhamma Chakra Pravartan Din, is held annually to mark Dr BR Ambedkar’s conversion to Buddhism in October 1956 along with lakhs of followers. Dr Ambedkar had taken 22 vows, which included denouncing Hindu gods, that are repeated during this event. About 10,000 people converted to Buddhism at this particular event. The BJP has alleged that the remarks made by the AAP minister against Hindu deities and religion during the event were done at the behest of chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. Addressing a press conference, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia demanded sacking of Gautam as a minister and an apology from Kejriwal. Gautam, an MLA from Seemapuri, who was at the event of mass conversion of Hindus to Buddhism, can be heard in the video taking an oath, saying, “I shall have no faith in Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara, nor shall I worship them.” The minister has accused BJP of “spreading rumours” against him, saying that being a religious person himself, he could never think of insulting any religion. “I am a very religious person. I respect all gods and goddesses and cannot even dream of insulting the deities by my actions or words. I did not say any word towards anyone’s faith. I respect everyone’s faith,” the AAP minister said. “In my speech, I spoke on education, health, employment, inflation and social equality…I am deeply hurt by this act and apologise with folded hands to all those who have been hurt in any way due to this BJP propaganda,” he added. Speaking to Times Now, he said: “When people embrace Buddhism, they take these 22 vows. This is a personal matter of those who follow Buddhism. Why should anyone be bothered about it?” While there was no immediate reaction available from AAP, sources said chief minister Arvind Kejriwal was “extremely displeased” with Gautam. “AAP has hurt the sentiments of Hindus once again and Gautam’s comments highlight the hate the party has for the community,” Bhatia has alleged. “Kejriwal ji, you should apologise to the whole of India by holding your ears. And such a minister, who is spreading hatred, should be immediately sacked. If you do not do this, then it is clear that the words may be of the minister but this poisonous thinking and instructions are from Arvind Kejriwal,” said Bhatia. He accused Kejriwal of making compromises for the sake of vote bank. Delhi BJP president Adesh Gupta – who has filed a police complaint in this regard — lashed out at Gautam for showing “disrespect” towards Hindu deities in the presence of thousands of people. “This is not an isolated incident. It is in the character of AAP to insult and disrespect Hindu gods and goddesses. We demand that Kejriwal should immediately sack Gautam,” Gupta said. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari too demanded Gautam’s sacking, claiming his action could lead to animosity between the Hindu and Buddhist communities.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/bjp-seeks-sacking-of-delhi-minister-rajendra-pal-gautam-for-anti-hindu-oath-files-complaint/articleshow/94714498.cms