The political temperature in Maharashtra has once again risen over the Ram Temple issue. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has sounded the bugle for a major agitation over the Ram Temple donation controversy, while from the opposition camp, BJP leader and minister Nitesh Rane has sharply retorted. Rane even called Uddhav Thackeray a “Pakistani agent” and said that those opposed to Sanatan Dharma can never receive God’s blessings. This heated exchange of words has raised the political temperature in Maharashtra to the hilt.
Uddhav Thackeray has announced a statewide agitation over the Ayodhya Ram Temple donation theft case and has appealed to all Hindus to gather near the Hanuman Temple in Dadar on Sunday, July 5th, at 4 p.m. Meanwhile, Maharashtra government minister Nitesh Rane sharply retorted to his statement.
Uddhav Thackeray, regarding the donation controversy, said that the fundamental basis of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s power has been the Ram Mandir movement and Hindutva. Thackeray said that after incidents like the Godhra incident and the Mumbai terrorist attacks, Hindus across the country reflected deeply, and the BJP, by championing the cause of Hindutva, progressed from having two MPs to becoming the country’s largest political party. He questioned whether Operation Ram Mandir is now underway, and whether the money allegedly stolen from the Ram Temple is being used to break other political parties.
Thackeray didn’t stop there, attacking the BJP, saying that the country will no longer forgive those who loot Hindu temples. He appealed to all Hindus, regardless of political affiliation, to gather near the Hanuman Temple in Dadar on Sunday. Uddhav said that the Shiv Sena (UBT) is launching a Ram Raksha movement, in which the Ram Raksha Stotra and Hanuman Chalisa will be recited. He said that this is just the beginning, and that further protests will be held on this issue wherever there are temples dedicated to Lord Ram in the state and across the country.
He said that the sacrifices of those who fought, went to jail, and shed their blood for the Ram Temple will not be allowed to go in vain. Uddhav Thackeray also said that he was joking about going to Ayodhya with Amit Shah. Thackeray also said that the construction of the Ram Temple was done after a Supreme Court order and is a matter of faith for the people of the entire country.
A Nationwide Movement – Thackeray
Uddhav Thackeray said that the North Indian community will also join this movement, and the Shiv Sena (UBT) will protest against the Ram Temple donation issue across the country, including Maharashtra. If anyone has committed corruption in the name of the Ram Temple, strict action should be taken against them. He sarcastically said that it should not happen that the accused are later made governors of any state.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra government minister Nitesh Rane has strongly reacted to Uddhav Thackeray’s announcement of the movement. Rane said that Uddhav Thackeray is a Pakistani agent and is now remembering the Ram Temple. He alleged that while he was Chief Minister, Uddhav Thackeray organized an Azaan competition. Rane said that Uddhav Thackeray is using the same language as Pakistani terrorists.
Nitesh said that he had no connection with the Ram Temple movement and that at that time, he was only cleaning cameras.
Thackeray’s Shiv Sena in Trouble!
Uddhav Thackeray’s announcement of the movement comes at a time when his party is going through a difficult phase. The Shiv Sena, led by BJP ally and Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, has made a major dent in Thackeray’s party, poaching six MPs. Shinde has also brought Sachin Ahir, a close MLC of Aditya Thackeray, to his side.
In this situation, to strengthen the party and gain public support, Uddhav Thackeray has decided to launch a new movement using Ram as a pretext to corner the BJP.