Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Friday demanded a probe into the alleged disappearance of a 4-kg silver brick donated by party chief Uddhav Thackeray for the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. Raut also claimed that the party did not receive a receipt for a Rs 1 crore donation made towards the temple project.
Allegations of Missing Donation
Speaking to the media, Raut stated that Uddhav Thackeray had donated Rs 1 crore along with the silver brick during the temple's construction, in the presence of party workers and saints. He questioned why no receipt or update had been provided by the Ram Mandir Trust, saying, "Uddhav Thackeray ji had generously contributed Rs 1 crore in the presence of thousands of Shiv Sainiks and saints. Yet, years later, no receipt or update from the Trust. Where has it gone? Time for full investigation and accountability!"
Claims of Fund Siphoning
In a startling claim, Raut alleged that Rs 2,000 crore had been siphoned from the Ram Mandir Trust to orchestrate political defections in the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Shiv Sena (UBT). He said, "The main culprits are still working in the Trust. Those who consider themselves 'Hindutvawadi' steal crores of money from the temple, and this money enters politics, where you use it to buy MPs and split political parties. You used Rs 2,000 crore stolen from Ram Mandir to split MPs of TMC and Shiv Sena (UBT)."
Background of the Case
The case stems from allegations made by former Samajwadi Party MLA from Ayodhya, Pawan Pandey, who claimed that donations worth between Rs 7 crore and Rs 7.5 crore meant for the Ram Mandir were misappropriated. Following these allegations, an FIR was registered on Thursday under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 306, 316(5), 317(4), 317(5), 61, and 3(5), on the directions of the Uttar Pradesh government.
Political Reactions
Earlier on Wednesday, Raut launched a sharp attack on the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the donation controversy. He alleged that no action would be taken against those linked to the alleged scam, implying a cover-up by the ruling party.
The controversy has reignited political tensions, with the Shiv Sena (UBT) demanding a thorough investigation into the missing silver brick and the alleged siphoning of funds from the Ram Mandir Trust.
