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Rane further suggested that the places where the Sena (UBT) leader performs “maha aarti” should be “purified” with “gomutra” (cow urine).
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray (ANI photo); Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane (R) (PTI photo)
Amid an ongoing probe into alleged embezzlement of funds donated at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday announced a ‘Ram Raksha’ agitation from Sunday in Maharashtra, urging people to join the protest to hold the BJP accountable over the issue.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief said party workers and supporters would gather at the Hanuman temple in Mumbai’s Dadar on Sunday, recite the Hanuman Stotra and Hanuman Chalisa, and pressure the BJP to take responsibility for the alleged theft, PTI reported.
Uddhav Thackeray Demands Action Against Accused
“I appeal to all those agitated over this alleged large-scale theft at the Ram temple to join us and hold the BJP accountable for it,” Thackeray told reporters in Mumbai.
Referring to allegations regarding the alleged embezzlement of donations, Thackeray demanded strict punishment for those involved. Invoking former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s famous remark, “Ab Hindu maar nahi khayega”, he said, “Now, I want to say, ‘Ab Hindu maaf nahi karega’.”
The alleged embezzlement came to light on June 7. An FIR was registered on June 25 following a preliminary report by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government. Eight persons associated with the temple’s donation and counting process have been arrested, and the investigation is ongoing.
BJP Responds
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly hit back at Thackeray, with Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane accusing the former Chief Minister of “speaking like a Pakistani agent.” The Minister further suggested that the places where the Sena (UBT) leader performs “maha aarti” should be “purified” with “gomutra” (cow urine).
“Uddhav Thackeray is speaking Osama Bin Laden’s language. Places where Uddhav Thackeray performs “maha aarti” should be ‘purified’ with “gomutra” (cow urine), he said.
Meanwhile, BJP state spokesperson Ram Kulkarni described the alleged theft as an isolated incident, saying the police were investigating the matter and would ensure punishment for those responsible.
“Our party took the initiative to build the Ram temple because Lord Ram represents its faith and identity,” he said. He further accused Thackeray of trying to derive political mileage from the controversy.
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