Uddhav Questions BJP's Hindutva, Seeks Probe Into Ayodhya Donation Row
He led the party’s Ram Raksha Andolan in Nagpur, intensifying its campaign over alleged irregularities in donations made to the Ayodhya Ram Temple.
Mumbai:Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the BJP, asserting that the Ram Temple “is not anyone’s fiefdom”. He led the party’s Ram Raksha Andolan in Nagpur, intensifying its campaign over alleged irregularities in donations made to the Ayodhya Ram Temple.
Accompanied by party leader Aaditya Thackeray, Mr Thackeray travelled from Mumbai to participate in the agitation at the Ram Mandir in Ramnagar. Responding to the agitation, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took a swipe at the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief, saying he had realised that “Jo Ram Ka Nahi, Vo Kisi Kaam Ka Nahin” (one who is not with Lord Ram is of no use).
After participating in the recitation of the Ram Raksha Stotra and a Maha Aarti at the Ram Mandir, Mr Thackeray addressed party workers and launched a fresh attack on the BJP and the RSS. He questioned RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat over what he described as the BJP government’s actions, alleging that the party was “breaking"” opposition parties, leaking examination question papers and even looting temple coffers. He asked whether this was the kind of Hindu Rashtra envisioned by Mr Bhagwat.
“We are in Nagpur today, and from here I want to ask Mohan Bhagwat: Which side are you on?" Mr Thackeray said, alleging that the RSS chief's Hindutva was “hypocritical”.
Mr Thackeray also demanded the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by a retired judge, to probe the alleged irregularities in donations to the Ayodhya Ram Temple.
Earlier in the day, Mr Fadnavis said that if the Ram Raksha Andolan was being organised, the Ram Raksha Stotra should at least be recited and the programme should not remain confined to politics.
“First of all, I am happy that Uddhavji has finally realised ‘jo Ram ka nahi, woh kisi kaam ka nahi’. Therefore, he has returned to Lord Ram, and I congratulate him for that,” the Chief Minister said.
Mr Fadnavis had earlier also challenged Mr Thackeray, saying that if the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief was willing, he was ready to sit with him and recite the Ram Raksha Stotra.
Responding to the Chief Minister’s remarks, Mr Thackeray said he may not know the Ram Raksha Stotra, but he knew how to protect Lord Ram. “Just because you know how to recite the Ram Raksha Stotra does not mean you will be pardoned for the alleged theft,” he said.
