AAP Launches Nationwide Signature Campaign for Action on Ram Temple Theft Allegations

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has launched a nationwide signature campaign demanding strict punishment for individuals allegedly involved in theft of offerings from the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The campaign, announced on Sunday, aims to collect signatures on a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging action against those responsible.

At a Sundarkand recitation event in Rohini, Delhi, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal said he was signing the letter along with devotees. He called on supporters across the country to organize Hanuman Chalisa recitals and gather signatures. “The movement should continue until the accused are punished. We will not rest until those who committed this theft at Lord Ram's home are brought to justice,” Mr. Kejriwal said.

Mr. Kejriwal alleged that 70 incidents of theft were captured on CCTV over 40 days, and that eight months of footage was later deleted. He claimed that those involved are from the ruling party and its affiliated organizations, implying a lack of action from the government. “They loot the country in Ram's name, but they do not consider Ram to be God,” he said.

Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia said the campaign aims to ensure the harshest punishment for those who robbed the temple and hurt the faith of millions of Hindus. He directly addressed Prime Minister Modi, saying, “If your faith is genuine, bring the truth before the people. Do not protect the guilty.”

The Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) dismissed the campaign as a political gimmick. Delhi BJP President Harsh Malhotra said, “Whenever Mr. Kejriwal finds himself politically cornered, he attempts to improve his standing by organising such events. This is an effort to influence Hindu voters in states where elections are due.”

The Ram Temple theft allegations surfaced earlier this year, with news reports citing CCTV footage showing individuals taking cash and valuables from donation boxes. The temple trust has not officially confirmed the scale of the theft, and no arrests have been made public. The AAP's campaign adds a political dimension to the issue, with both parties trading accusations.