Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party, accusing it of turning the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya into a 'shop' and betraying the core principles of Hindutva. Speaking during a tour of Lok Sabha constituencies represented by six rebel Shiv Sena MPs who defected to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on June 22, Thackeray alleged that the BJP had commercialised the temple issue for political gains.
Thackeray's allegations against BJP
Thackeray claimed that the BJP, which has long championed the construction of the Ram Mandir, has now reduced it to a tool for electoral benefit. "The Ram Mandir was a sacred symbol of our faith, but the BJP has turned it into a shop. They have betrayed the true spirit of Hindutva," he said. The former Maharashtra chief minister also accused the BJP of using the temple issue to divide society and consolidate votes.
Thackeray's remarks come amid a growing rift within the Shiv Sena, with a faction led by Eknath Shinde breaking away and aligning with the BJP. The six rebel MPs whose constituencies Thackeray is visiting include those from constituencies like Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg and Raigad, among others. The tour is aimed at consolidating the party's base and countering the narrative set by the Shinde faction.
Political context and impact
The rebellion by the six MPs has significantly weakened the Shiv Sena (UBT) in Maharashtra, leading to a reshuffling of political alliances. Thackeray's visit is seen as an attempt to regain lost ground and reaffirm his party's commitment to Hindutva, a core ideology of the Shiv Sena. According to political analysts, Thackeray's criticism of the BJP is also a strategic move to appeal to the party's traditional voter base, which may be disillusioned with the BJP's handling of religious issues.
"The BJP's alliance with the Shinde faction has created a complex political scenario in Maharashtra. Thackeray's allegations are likely to resonate with voters who feel that the BJP has prioritized power over principles," said a political commentator. The tour is expected to continue over the next few days, with Thackeray addressing public meetings and interacting with local party workers.
Reactions from BJP and Shinde faction
The BJP has dismissed Thackeray's allegations as baseless. Party spokesperson said, "The Ram Mandir is a matter of faith for millions of Indians, and the BJP has always respected that. Uddhav Thackeray's comments are a desperate attempt to stay relevant after his party's split." Meanwhile, the Shinde faction has accused Thackeray of betraying the true ideals of the Shiv Sena by aligning with opposition parties.
Eknath Shinde, in a separate statement, said, "Thackeray has forgotten the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray, who always stood for Hindutva. It is the Shinde faction that truly represents the Shiv Sena's ideology." The war of words between the two factions is expected to intensify as the 2024 Lok Sabha elections approach.
