Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday launched his 'Ram Raksha' agitation over the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple, directly targeting the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Addressing a rally outside the Hanuman temple in Dadar, central Mumbai, Thackeray asserted that those who are 'looting Hindus are in power' and demanded an impartial investigation into the matter.
Wearing a saffron kurta, Thackeray recited the 'Hanuman Stotra' and 'Hanuman Chalisa' before addressing the crowd. He stated, 'It is unfortunate that those looting Hindus are in power. A robber cannot be asked to probe his robbery. It has to be done impartially.' The Sena (UBT) chief emphasized that if anyone loots a temple by misusing Hindutva, Hindus will not spare them.
Concerns over Kashi and Mathura
Thackeray expressed concern over what he termed a pattern, referring to the slogan 'Ayodhya toh jhanki hai, Kashi, Mathura abhi baaki hain' (Ayodhya was a trailer, and Kashi and Mathura are yet to come). He said, 'We are fierce, innocent, nation-loving Hindus, but not fools.' He added that Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray had awakened Hindus, but they are being hypnotised today.
Details of the alleged embezzlement
The alleged embezzlement of Ram temple donations came to light on June 7. An FIR was registered on June 25 following a preliminary report by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government. According to officials, eight people associated with the temple's donation and counting process have been arrested in the case, and further investigation is underway.
Political implications
The agitation marks a significant escalation in the political rivalry between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the BJP, particularly over the issue of Hindutva and temple donations. Thackeray's remarks aim to question the BJP's integrity in handling religious affairs, potentially influencing voter sentiment in upcoming elections.
