Maharashtra: Fadnavis Mocks Uddhav, Challenges Him To Recite Ram Raksha Stotra
"The protests were being led by a person who neither knew the meaning of the Ram Raksha verses nor could recite them": Fadnavis
MUMBAI: Calling Uddhav Thackeray ‘a frustrated politician,’ Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday ridiculed Shiv Sena (UBT)’s ‘Ram Raksha’ agitation to protest the alleged theft of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. He stated that he would join the protest if Thackeray read the Ram Raksha verses.
Fadnavis challenged Thackeray’s understanding of the Ram Raksha Stotra or its significance. “The protests were being led by a person who neither knew the meaning of the Ram Raksha verses nor could recite them,” said Fadnavis.
He further remarked that Thackeray’s current conduct stems from political desperation and frustration. “He is organising a Ram Raksha Andolan, but does he actually have any knowledge about Ram Raksha? The movement is being led by someone who does not even know Ram Raksha or understand what it entails? I will certainly join his movement and recite the Ram Raksha as well if Thackeray reads the Ram Raksha verses,” he said.
Fadnavis slammed Thackeray over the agitation saying it was absolutely inappropriate to engage in politics or launch protests in the name of Lord Ram in this manner.
“The entire state of Maharashtra witnessed how, on a previous occasion, Uddhav Thackeray was unable to recite the Ramraksha. I know the Ramraksha by heart myself; but even if someone hasn’t memorized it, they should at least be able to read it correctly while holding the text before them. You organize protests in the name of the Ramraksha, yet in reality, you cannot even read it. What kind of protest is this?” he asked.
Thackeray had announced the statewide protest earlier this month while attacking the BJP over the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple. During a meeting with Shiv Sena (UBT) MLAs and MLCs at his Mumbai residence, Matoshri, Thackeray instructed party leaders to take the agitation beyond the state capital and organise protests across districts, including Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Ratnagiri.
The controversy has erupted following serious allegations that around Rs 7 crore to Rs 7.5 crore from the temple offerings went unaccounted for. Following a formal complaint, the Uttar Pradesh government formed a 3-member SIT.
The preliminary probe confirmed the embezzlement, leading to the arrest and subsequent 14-day judicial custody of eight accused individuals, including cash-counting personnel linked to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
