Kejriwal asks for Lakshmi-Ganesh on Indian currency notes, Congress asks 'Why not BR Ambedkar?'

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday sought to print the images of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi on the Indian currency. In retaliation, Congress MP Manish Tewari asked why not print Bhimrao Ambedkar's photo on a new series of notes.

Tewari, a Congress MP from Punjab's Anandpur Sahib, tweeted, "Why not Dr Babasahib Ambedkar's photograph on new series of currency notes? On one side the great Mahatma (Gandhi) the other side Dr (B R) Ambedkar."



Kejriwal's demand drew sharp reactions from the Opposition and social media, with some accusing Kejriwal of resorting to "competitive Hindutva" to outwit the BJP in poll-bound Gujarat.

"Non-violence, Constitutionalism and egalitarianism fusing in a unique union that would sum up the modern Indian genius perfectly," Tewari said in the tweet.

AAP's Kejriwal appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to have images of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi on currency notes. "Despite trying our best, sometimes our efforts do not fructify if the gods and goddesses are not blessing us. I appeal to PM (Modi) to have images of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi on our currency (notes).

"If there is an image of Lakshmi-Ganesha on our currency (notes), our country will prosper. I will write to (the) prime minister in a day or two on this," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)