Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday termed the First Information Report (FIR) lodged against him over the alleged misappropriation of funds collected for the Ram temple construction as a "sham" and alleged that there was an attempt to shield "important people". Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal said the FIR was registered to divert attention from the real culprits and demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter.
Kejriwal denies allegations, calls FIR politically motivated
The FIR was filed by the Uttar Pradesh Police on Monday based on a complaint by a local BJP leader, who accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor of collecting donations for the Ram temple in Ayodhya but not handing over the full amount. Kejriwal, however, dismissed the allegations, stating that all funds collected were duly transferred to the trust responsible for the temple construction. "This is a completely false and politically motivated case. The BJP is scared of our growing popularity and is using state machinery to harass us," he said.
According to the complaint, the AAP had collected crores of rupees from the public for the Ram temple but only a fraction was deposited. Kejriwal countered this by providing receipts and bank statements, claiming that 100% of the collected amount was transferred to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. He added that the party had also published an audited report on its website.
Demand for CBI probe and allegations of shielding
Kejriwal alleged that the real issue was the diversion of funds by certain individuals close to the ruling party. "Why is the BJP not taking action against those who actually misused the donations? This FIR is a sham to shield important people," he asserted. He demanded a CBI inquiry into the entire donation collection process for the Ram temple, including the role of various trusts and individuals.
The Delhi CM also pointed out that similar complaints had been filed against other political parties, but no action was taken. "The BJP is using this as a tool to target opposition leaders selectively. We will fight this legally and expose the truth," he said.
Political reactions and legal battle ahead
The development has sparked a political slugfest, with the BJP accusing Kejriwal of trying to evade accountability. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said, "Kejriwal should cooperate with the investigation instead of making baseless allegations. The law will take its course." Meanwhile, AAP supporters gathered outside the party office in Delhi, condemning the FIR as a vendetta.
Kejriwal has announced that he will appear before the investigating officer as required and will also file a defamation case against the complainant. The case is likely to escalate, with both sides gearing up for a legal battle. The FIR was registered under sections 406 (criminal breach of trust) and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code at the Hazratganj police station in Lucknow.
