New Delhi:A day after the announcement of the dates for the Delhi assembly elections, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) took a big political move on Wednesday as it launched the “Pujari and Granthi Samman Yojana” for Hindu priests, saints, and their societies. Under this scheme, priests serving in the temples of Delhi will be given a Rs 18,000 honorarium every month.
In a program organised at the AAP office today, AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal also announced the formation of the ‘Sanatan Seva Samiti,’ under which several priests and Mahamandaleshwars were given membership.
Appreciation For Big Move
On the occasion, several priests and religious leaders appreciated the initiatives and prayed for the party’s victory in the upcoming polls.
Jagadguru Mahamandleshwar said, “We express our gratitude to such a Chief Minister who works for Sanatan Dharma. This scheme is not just financial help but a symbol of respect towards the priest community.”
Kejriwal also spoke at the event, saying that it’s good fortune for AAP that they got a chance to work for Sanatan Dharma. “God chose us to do something for the priest community. Sanatan Seva Samiti is a big step in this direction,” he said.
Hope Of Benefit In Elections
The AAP introduced the scheme at a time when election activities are at their peak in Delhi and other parts of the country. Political analysts believe that this initiative can make the party popular among voters associated with Sanatan Dharma.
“This scheme challenges the policies of the BJP. BJP has always done politics in the name of Sanatan Dharma, but Aam Aadmi Party has worked to fulfil its promises; this scheme can have a big impact in the elections,” said Acharya Vijay Sharma, a priest.
Financial Security For Priests
The announcement of a monthly honorarium of Rs 18,000 for priests and granthis has made them feel financially secure. “We struggled for years, but today Kejriwal ji heard and solved our problems. This honorarium of Rs 18,000 has brought new hope into our lives,” Sharma added.
Another priest, Jitendra Sharma, said, “For the last 75 years, the priest community has been neglected. Today this scheme makes us feel proud. Now we can also inspire our children to join this profession.”