Shivling-Inspired Fountains Spark Political Controversy Ahead Of G20 Summit

As Delhi gears up for the upcoming G20 Summit, controversy has ignited over the installation of fountains resembling Shivlings in the Dhaula Kuan area. These installations, part of the ongoing beautification efforts ahead of the international summit, have drawn criticism from BJP leaders who accuse Atishi, a Delhi minister from the AAP party, of using the sacred Shivling for decorative purposes.

Prominent BJP media panelist Charu Pragya voiced her concern on Twitter, stating, "A Shivling is not for decoration. And Dhaula Kuan is not Gyanvapi. AAP Govt in Delhi has installed Shivling shaped fountains at Dhaula Kuan." This comment highlights the sensitivity surrounding the use of religious symbols in public spaces.

Adding to the discourse, Y Sathish Reddy of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi criticized the move as a "mockery of Hinduism" by the Modi government. He questioned whether the sacred significance of the Shivling was being trivialized for amusement and called for the removal of the fountains.

Meanwhile, AAP has brought forth serious allegations against Delhi's Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena and the BJP.  In a recent X post, AAP's Rajya Sabha MP and national spokesperson, Sanjay Singh, have demanded an apology from the BJP and called for action against Saxena for installing fountains in the shape of a 'Shivling'.  Despite these claims, neither the LG's office nor the BJP has offered an immediate response.

As part of an initiative to enhance aesthetics, authorities have reportedly set up 18 fountains in the shape of a 'Shivling' at the Hanuman Mandir junction within the technical area of Palam airport.

Sanjay Singh took to X to express his concerns, asserting, "Shivling was insulted under the leadership of Modi ji and shameless BJP members are praising Modi. Delhi LG is being applauded for disrespecting Shivling. The BJP should apologize to the country, and action should be taken against the LG."

Echoing similar sentiments, AAP's chief national spokesperson, Priyanka Kakkar, highlighted the issue in a separate X post. She criticized the installation, emphasizing how it could impact the faith of millions of Hindus, insinuating that @LtGovDelhi had undermined their sentiments through the installation of the 'Shivling'-shaped fountains in Delhi.

The G20 Summit, scheduled for September 9 and 10, will witness the participation of numerous global leaders including US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Shivling-shaped fountains are just one aspect of the beautification initiatives along the route that the dignitaries will traverse after landing at the airport. Both the AAP and the Central government have claimed credit for these beautification endeavors.

Beyond the Shivling-inspired fountains at Dhaula Kuan, various artistic installations have been placed across the city to enhance its aesthetic appeal before the G20 Summit. These include 49 themed sculptures, animal statues, and statues ranging from 6 to 16 feet in height. Notable installations consist of six 6-foot-tall marble lion structures, three dancing women statues, two sandstone elephants, apsara sculptures, and a 13-foot-tall black marble lion statue.

This political tussle extends beyond the religious symbolism of the Shivling fountains. The BJP has criticized the AAP for claiming credit for the beautification project, arguing that the organizations responsible for these efforts fall under the jurisdiction of the Central government. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva highlighted that organizations such as NDMC, ITPO, DDA, Indian Airforce, Delhi International Airport Limited, Delhi Police, and the Ministry of External Affairs are all involved in the beautification work.

In response, Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj emphasized that the funding for the beautification project originated from the AAP government's funds and taxpayers' contributions. This exchange of claims underscores the underlying political tensions often intertwined with major events and projects, particularly those carrying substantial religious and cultural implications.