Shiv Sena (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday targeted BJP over the alleged theft of offerings in Ayodhya Ram temple. He said that the temple has been built and now the time has come to start a new movement for its protection. He also targeted Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and asked him to clarify whether he supports the temple robbers or those protecting Ram.
After offering prayers and aarti at the Ram temple in Ram Nagar area of Nagpur, Uddhav Thackeray was addressing a gathering as part of his party’s Ram Raksha protest. His son Aditya Thackeray, party MP Sanjay Raut, MLAs and workers were also present with him.
A new fight to protect the temple
He said that years ago, Shiv Sena founder late Bal Thackeray had given impetus to the movement to build Ram temple in Ayodhya, but now Shiv Sainiks are once again preparing to fight for the temple. Thackeray said, I am sad that the Ram temple has been built, but now we will have to start a new fight to protect that temple.
Hundreds of kar sevaks sacrificed their lives
He targeted Fadnavis over his recent statement in which he had said that the Army (UBT) chief should first recite Ram Raksha (a hymn praising Lord Rama). He said that Fadnavis ji, reciting Ram Raksha may be your job, but Ram Raksha (protection of Lord Ram) is the job of us Ram devotees. We are Ram Rakshaks. Thackeray said that hundreds of kar sevaks made sacrifices during the Ram Mandir movement, but it was not done to feed these thieves.
Uddhav Thackeray claimed that when Babri Masjid fell, none of the people in power today came forward. At that time BJP people were saying that this was not their work. Only Balasaheb Thackeray stood in support of this issue.
Fadnavis is with those who looted the temple
He said that CM Fadnavis should make it clear whether he is with those who looted the temple or supports those who protect Lord Ram. He asked, We generally believe that Lord Ram protects us. But now, under BJP rule, it is the Ram devotees who have to protect God. They gained power by using Ram’s name, but we have to protect them. What could be a bigger misfortune than this for Hindus?
Uddhav Thackeray also asked Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat whether the RSS had imagined such a Hindu Rashtra under the BJP government in which temples are looted, students’ concerns are ignored, exam papers are leaked and political parties are broken.
Targeted at Eknath Shinde
He also targeted Shiv Sena chief and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde without naming him. Thackeray asked, you were accusing me that I have left the ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray. I am questioning those who looted the Ram temple. If you have courage, can you ask questions to BJP and clarify your stand on this issue?
‘We can never leave Hindutva’
The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief also tried to corner BJP on its claim that it has given up Hindutva for power. He asked that we can never leave Hindutva, but I want to ask you (BJP) why you have left Hindutva. Why are you not saying anything on this issue?
The case of alleged misappropriation of offerings received for Ram temple came to light last month, after which the Uttar Pradesh government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on June 13 to investigate these allegations.
After the SIT’s initial report was submitted on June 23, an FIR was registered on June 25 and eight accused were arrested. Thackeray demanded a transparent investigation into the matter under the supervision of a retired judge like Justice Abhay Oka and also called for efforts to ensure a BJP-free Ram.
Playing with the feelings and faith of Hindus
He said that this theft is not just of the donation box. This theft has been done against the sentiments and faith of all Hindus. Every Hindu in this country and the world should become a judge and do justice in this theft case. Referring to his Ram Raksha protest, he said that now the fight is between Ram devotees and thieves of Ram temple.
Criticism of UP Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana
He also criticized Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana, who courted controversy by saying that offerings at the Ayodhya Ram temple were stolen only from those people who perhaps did not donate with true devotion. He claimed, if Fadnavis and Bhagwat do not say anything about this, then their Hindutva is just hypocrisy. Uddhav Thackeray said that he will take the Ram Raksha Andolan to all major cities and states outside Maharashtra.
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