Mumbai: We Want BJP-Mukt Ram: Uddhav Thackeray
"The damage has already been done. Everything is over now. What is the point of going there at this stage?”: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde
MUMBAI: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday accused the BJP of exploiting the religious sentiments of Hindus and alleged irregularities in donations at the Ram Mandir. Addressing a rally in Maharashtra’s Yavatmal-Washim Lok Sabha constituency, represented by former Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Deshmukh, who recently joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, Mr. Thackeray alleged that the BJP was engineering splits in political parties to divert attention from public issues such as the alleged looting of temples. “We want BJP-mukt Ram,” he said.
Responding to Mr. Thackeray’s tour, Shiv Sena chief and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde dismissed it as “too little, too late”. “The damage has already been done. Everything is over now. What is the point of going there at this stage?” he said.
Mr. Thackeray’s remarks came amid a controversy over the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. An SIT probe reportedly uncovered irregularities in the temple's donation management system, following which eight people associated with counting cash and valuables were arrested.
Mr. Thackeray is touring constituencies represented by MPs who defected from Shiv Sena (UBT) to the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Targeting the BJP, he said, “Real Hindutva teaches humanity. We reject your (BJP’s) Hindutva of looting temples. All Hindus should be aware of (loot in) Ram temple across the country…. Why Sakal Hindu Samaj and Hindu Janjagruti are sleeping over the issue of loot in Ram temple?”
“We want ‘BJP-mukt Ram’. To this end, Shiv Sena (UBT) will soon organise a protest,” he added.
Referring to the rebellion within his party, Mr. Thackeray apologised to supporters and voters for backing leaders who later defected, accusing them of betraying the trust of Shiv Sena workers and the electorate.
Speaking about Mr. Deshmukh’s defection, Mr. Thackeray said that during a meeting of party MPs a fortnight ago, the MP had sought permission to attend virtually, claiming he had to attend a meeting related to his daughter’s marriage. Instead, Mr. Deshmukh attended another meeting and joined the Shinde-led Shiv Sena two days later.
Mr. Thackeray also played an old video of Mr. Deshmukh taking an oath in his mother’s name to remain loyal to the Shiv Sena led by him. “Sanjay Deshmukh betrayed us despite swearing on his mother. I wonder how his mother must feel now,” he said.