Maharashtra: Uddhav Launches ‘Ram Raksha Andolan’

The agitation began with a Maha Aarti at the historic Hanuman Temple in Dadar, followed by the collective recitation of the Ram Raksha Stotra, Hanuman Stotra and Hanuman Chalisa. Hundreds of Shiv Sainiks gathered at the temple premises, after which Mr Thackeray addressed party workers.

In his 12-minute speech, the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief targeted the BJP, asserting that Hindus would no longer tolerate the misuse of their faith. He also appealed to Hindus across the country to recite the Ram Raksha Stotra.

"We are staunch, patriotic Hindus. Hindus may be simple and innocent, but they are not foolish. If anyone exploits our faith and loots temples, Hindus will no longer forgive them," Mr Thackeray said.

He claimed that Shiv Sainiks had worked tirelessly during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and asserted that no other political party’s workers had contributed as much.

Recalling the Ram temple movement, Mr Thackeray said the Shiv Sena had participated in the Shila Pujan, the Rath Yatra and the kar seva. He said many kar sevaks had sacrificed their lives and that Mumbai later witnessed riots and bomb blasts. “During that period, Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray was the only leader who stood firmly with Hindus,” he claimed.

The 'Ram Raksha Andolan' was organised after allegations of irregularities in the handling of donations at the Ram Temple surfaced following a preliminary inquiry, triggering a political row. The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated action in the case.

Taking a dig at the BJP leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr Thackeray alleged that the BJP had used the Ram temple movement to come to power and later turned against the Shiv Sena.

“It has been 12 years since the person for whom the Shiv Sena worked to bring to power assumed the office of Prime Minister. Instead of standing by the staunch Hindutva-vadi Shiv Sena, they have virtually taken up a mission to destroy it, much like Afzal Khan’s campaign. Why? Because they wanted to monopolise Hindutva for their own political gains. Shiv Sena is the only party that has the courage to stand before them and question them,” he claimed.

Responding to the ‘Ram Raksha Andolan’, Mr Fadnavis said, “I am happy that Uddhav ji has remembered Lord Ram. That is all we had expected — that he should remember Lord Ram. He had abandoned the path of Ram, and that is why his party declined. If he follows the path of Ram, it will be good for him. I expect that he should not just recite the Ram Raksha Stotra today, but do so every day.”