As Delhi prepares to host the prestigious G20 Summit, the city finds itself engulfed in a unique controversy over artistic fountains designed in the shape of a Shivling, a sacred symbol in Hinduism. The row erupted when accusations and sentiments clashed, involving political figures and religious connotations, making it more than just a matter of aesthetic beautification.
Delhi's Lieutenant Governor, VK Saxena, sought to clarify that the fountains were not Shivlings but rather intricate art pieces crafted by a talented artisan from Rajasthan. His statement carried a message of inclusivity, acknowledging India's diverse spiritual beliefs. He remarked, "India is a unique country, where trees and rivers are prayed to, and God is believed to be present in every particle. I don't think there is any controversy."
However, this explanation did not quell the heated debate. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) vowed to file a police complaint against Saxena, accusing him of disrespecting Hindu sentiments. AAP MP Sanjay Singh expressed his displeasure on Twitter, calling for BJP to apologize and take action against the LG, Hindustan Times reported.
Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj went further, deeming the LG's actions a sin and insisting that Lord Shiv belongs in temples, not as street-side fountains. He passionately declared, "God will never forgive the LG. He should apologize to the country."
This dispute transcends religious symbolism and extends to a political battleground. The BJP criticized the AAP for attempting to take credit for the beautification project, asserting that several government organizations, including NDMC, ITPO, DDA, and others, were involved in these initiatives. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva highlighted the collaborative efforts of various agencies in enhancing the city's aesthetics.
Amidst this contentious backdrop, the G20 Summit approaches, set to host global leaders such as US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Shivling-shaped fountains are just one facet of the city's beautification initiatives, which include numerous artistic installations that seek to enhance Delhi's appeal for the visiting dignitaries. These installations range from thematic sculptures to statues of various sizes, further adding to the intrigue surrounding this politically charged debate.
