AAP launches nationwide signature drive for death penalty in Ayodhya donation theft case

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, has initiated a nationwide signature campaign demanding capital punishment for those allegedly involved in the theft of donation boxes at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The campaign was launched on Sunday in Delhi's Rohini area, where Kejriwal and his wife signed the first copy of an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In a post on social media platform X, Kejriwal wrote: 'Today, bhakts of Bhagwan Ram across the world are in deep anguish. We recited the Sundarkand today to pledge that we will not rest until those who committed the dacoity at the home of our revered Prabhu Shri Ram are hanged. With this very objective, we are issuing a letter addressed to the PM today. I appeal to people across the country to organise recitations of Hanuman Chalisa and gather signatures on this letter.'

The campaign has drawn criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Delhi BJP functionary Praveen Kapoor said, 'Arvind Kejriwal launched the signature campaign with just two objectives - first to defame Ram Mandir and Sanatan Dharma, and second, to break the unity of Hindu voters.'

The alleged theft of donation boxes from the Ram temple complex had been reported earlier this month, with police filing a case against unknown persons. The incident had sparked political reactions, with parties demanding swift action. The AAP's demand for the death penalty, however, has raised legal and ethical questions, as the maximum punishment for theft under Indian law is life imprisonment, and the death penalty is reserved for the 'rarest of rare' cases under the Indian Penal Code.

As the signature drive gains momentum, it remains to be seen how the central government and the judiciary respond to the call for capital punishment in this case.