Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday launched the 'Ram Raksha' agitation in Maharashtra, intensifying his attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party over the alleged theft of donations collected for the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Thackeray also gave a call for a 'BJP-mukt Ram', asserting that Lord Ram belongs to everyone and not just one political party.
Allegations of Donation Theft
Speaking at a public rally in Mumbai, Thackeray accused the BJP of misappropriating funds collected from devotees for the construction of the Ram Mandir. He claimed that crores of rupees donated by devotees had gone missing, and demanded a thorough investigation into the matter. 'The BJP has turned the Ram temple into a business enterprise,' Thackeray said, adding that the party was using Lord Ram for political gains.
Call for 'BJP-mukt Ram'
Thackeray's call for a 'BJP-mukt Ram' resonated with the crowd, as he argued that the BJP had monopolized the narrative around Lord Ram. 'Lord Ram belongs to all. He is not the property of any single party or individual. We need to free Ram from the clutches of the BJP,' he declared. The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for their alleged role in the controversy.
Political Implications
The agitation is seen as an attempt by Thackeray to consolidate the Hindu vote bank ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections. By positioning himself as the true guardian of Hindu interests, Thackeray aims to challenge the BJP's dominance in the state. Political analysts believe that the 'Ram Raksha' campaign could erode the BJP's support among devout Hindus who are disillusioned with the party's handling of the temple funds.
BJP's Response
The BJP dismissed Thackeray's allegations as baseless and politically motivated. State BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule said, 'The Ram temple construction is being carried out with complete transparency. Uddhav Thackeray is spreading lies to gain political mileage.' The party also accused Thackeray of hypocrisy, pointing out that his own party had supported the Ram temple movement in the past.
Background of the Controversy
The row over donation theft erupted after reports emerged that funds collected through donation boxes and online contributions for the Ram temple had been misappropriated. The trust managing the temple construction, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, has denied any wrongdoing, but Thackeray has demanded a CBI inquiry into the matter. The issue has added fuel to the ongoing political battle between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the BJP in Maharashtra.
