Aam Aadmi Party on Friday approached the Special Commissioner of Delhi Police, demanding an FIR against the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Vinai Saxena over the Shivling row. AAP on Thursday (August 31) accused L-G Saxena of insulting Hindu sentiments by installing 'Shivling'-shaped fountains" across the capital, just before the G20 summit.
AAP leader Durgesh Pathak said, "Shivlings were installed in the name of beautification and sewer water was released from them."
"Complaint was placed before the top officers of Delhi Police, they have assured that they will act on it immediately, we hope that they will do what they are saying," he added, asserting that the Hindu community is angered by the shivling incident and feel insulted.
According to him, the AAP has stressed that the sewer water being released be stopped.
Earlier, Pathak said that the Shivling, which is worshipped with holy water and milk, was put up along the roads as a showpiece by the L-G.
“Now, he is saying that it is merely a stone. If you have faith then believe in God. For us, it is an artefact. People are demanding resignation from L-G and an apology from the BJP. But the L-G is issuing more lewd statements. We will go to Special CP today at 5.30 pm with our complaint about the insult of Shivling. Will demand an FIR against the L-G and whoever is behind this.”
Earlier on Thursday, AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh also commented on the matter and asked for an apology from the BJP. He also said appropriate action must be taken against Saxena. He said, "Shivling was insulted under Modi ji's leadership, and shameless BJP members are praising Modi. By disrespecting Shivling, the LG of Delhi is stealing accolades. BJP should apologise to the country and take action against LG.”
Meanwhile, the Delhi LG was quoted as saying by news channel Mirror Now: "I'm not going to say anything about it. I am on the ground, working, and I will work for Delhi; I have demonstrated that it is possible to change the face of a large portion of Delhi in two months. And we will continue our efforts even after the G20 to ensure that Delhi looks exactly like this."
"See, the fountains have been installed all across the national capital", the LG said in response to the 'Shivling' fountain controversy. These are not 'Shivlings' in the least. It is up to you to decide which angle you want to examine. These are all artefacts that we have installed in the best way possible to beautify the national capital," he added.
Notably, Delhi has undergone an immense transformation as it prepares to host the G20 summit from September 9 to 10. As part of a broader effort to enhance the city's aesthetics, according to a PTI report, officials have revealed the installation of 18 fountains resembling the 'Shivling' at the Hanuman Mandir junction in the technical zone of Palam airport.
The controversy erupted after fountains shaped like 'Shivlings' were installed in the national capital as part of the ongoing beautification of Delhi ahead of the G20. Earlier, the BJP leaders accused Delhi minister Atishi of disrespecting the 'Shivling' by using it for decorative purposes.