Daijiworld Media Network - Nagpur
Nagpur, Jul 18: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday launched the party's 'Ram Raksha Nagar' agitation over the alleged theft at the Ayodhya Ram Temple, using the platform to counter Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' recent remarks questioning his religious credentials.
Addressing supporters in Nagpur, the Chief Minister's political stronghold, Thackeray said true devotion to Lord Ram was reflected not merely by reciting the Ram Raksha Stotra, but by protecting the sanctity of the deity and the temple from wrongdoing.
Responding to Fadnavis' challenge over whether he knew the sacred hymn, Thackeray said the responsibility of genuine devotees was to safeguard Lord Ram rather than simply chant prayers.
Expressing disappointment over the alleged theft at the newly constructed Ayodhya temple, he remarked that it was unfortunate that a movement had become necessary to protect a shrine built after decades of struggle.
Accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of exploiting Hindutva for political purposes, Thackeray urged people across party lines to expose what he described as hypocrisy and corruption linked to the Ayodhya temple. He also credited Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray with playing a key role in the movement for the construction of the Ram Temple.
Calling for a statewide campaign, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader asked party workers to organise similar protests across villages, particularly in the Vidarbha region, where the BJP enjoys strong electoral support. He also announced plans to personally participate in demonstrations across major cities in Maharashtra.
The protest was attended by several senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders, including Sanjay Raut, Chandrakant Khaire, Aaditya Thackeray and Ambadas Danve. During the event, Uddhav Thackeray publicly recited the Ram Raksha Stotra, apparently responding to the criticism over his religious credentials.
Expanding his attack beyond state politics, Thackeray also criticised the Centre over the police action against climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, alleging that he was forcibly removed despite observing a prolonged hunger strike. Referring to the incident in which ink was thrown at activist Abhijeet Dipke, he claimed the government had become insensitive to democratic protests.
He announced that he would lead a protest in Mumbai on Sunday against the alleged NEET examination scam while expressing solidarity with Wangchuk and Dipke. Thackeray appealed to people from all political parties to join the agitation, saying the issue directly affected the future of the country's youth.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief also criticised the Maharashtra government over delays in implementing a crop loan waiver, alleging that the ruling Mahayuti alliance had failed to fulfil its commitments. He further accused the government of excluding nearly 92 lakh women from the Ladki Bahin Yojana and discontinuing a scheme for distributing sarees to women, citing a lack of funds.