Nagpur, July 18 (UNI): Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the BJP, accusing it of betraying the ideals of Hindutva and demanding a court-monitored probe into alleged financial irregularities related to the Ayodhya Ram Temple trust.
Addressing the party's 'Ram Raksha Andolan' in Nagpur, Thackeray said the movement was not about reciting the Ram Raksha Stotra but about "protecting Lord Ram" and the faith of millions of devotees.
Recalling the Ram Janmabhoomi movement led by Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, he said the temple had finally been built, but a new battle had now become necessary to safeguard it from those allegedly involved in corruption.
"We fought for the construction of the Ram Temple, not for it to be looted. Today we are compelled to launch a movement to protect the temple and the faith of devotees," he said.
Taking a swipe at Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over his challenge to recite the Ram Raksha Stotra, Thackeray said, "Reciting the Ram Raksha may be your job, but protecting Lord Ram is the duty of true devotees."
He alleged that the BJP, which came to power in the name of Lord Ram, had abandoned the values associated with him.
Referring to reports of alleged irregularities in Ram Temple donations and land transactions in Ayodhya, Thackeray questioned whether the BJP stood with those "looting the temple" or with those trying to protect it.
He also alleged that corruption had spread to religious institutions, claiming that thefts had occurred in Kedarnath and Badrinath temples while land-related irregularities had surfaced in Ujjain and Ayodhya.
Demanding an impartial inquiry, Thackeray rejected the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the government as an "eyewash" and called for an investigation under the supervision of a retired Supreme Court or High Court judge known for integrity and independence.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also criticised the Centre over the reported forcible removal of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from his hunger strike, alleging that he was treated "like a terrorist" instead of being heard through dialogue.
Addressing RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Thackeray asked whether the present state of governance, including alleged paper leaks, attacks on students and alleged corruption, reflected the "Hindu Rashtra" envisioned by the RSS.
"Our notion of Hindu Rashtra is Ram Rajya and Shivshahi that delivers justice to the poor, women, students and youth, not a system that protects contractors or the corrupt," he said.
Recalling the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992, Thackeray asserted that Shiv Sena workers had made sacrifices during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and alleged that the BJP was now exploiting that legacy for political and financial gain.
He reiterated his earlier slogan of seeking a "BJP-free Ram" and alleged that the reported irregularities amounted to an assault on the faith and sentiments of Hindus.
Thackeray called upon devotees across the country to seek accountability and declared that the agitation would continue across Maharashtra and extend to Ayodhya and Kashi until those responsible for the alleged irregularities were brought to justice.
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