Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday launched his 'Ram Raksha' agitation over the alleged donation theft at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, accusing those in power of 'looting Hindus'. Addressing a rally outside the Hanuman temple in Dadar, he recited 'Hanuman Stotra', 'Hanuman Chalisa', and 'Ram Raksha Stotra'.
Political Reactions
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis responded swiftly, stating that Uddhav's political decline occurred due to his alleged abandonment of Lord Ram's path. 'Our only expectation was that he should remember Ram. He had abandoned Ram's path. That's why his party declined. If he walks the path of Ram, it will be good for him. Not just today, I expect that he will recite Ram Raksha every day,' Fadnavis said.
Uddhav countered, 'If anyone loots a temple by misusing Hindutva, then Hindus will not spare them.' He also raised the slogan of a 'BJP-mukt Ram', asserting that Lord Ram belongs to everyone and cannot be appropriated by any political party.
Allegations and Investigation
Dressed in a saffron kurta, the former chief minister argued that those accused of wrongdoing could not be expected to investigate themselves. The alleged embezzlement of donations came to light on June 7. An FIR was registered on June 25 following a preliminary report by the Special Investigation Team constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government.
Eight individuals associated with the Ram Temple's donation and counting process have been arrested in the case, and the investigation is ongoing.
