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Eknath Shinde accused the opposition of selectively raising questions over the Ram Temple donation row while remaining silent on alleged Siddhivinayak Temple irregularities.
Shinde’s remarks came amid an intensifying political confrontation over the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, an issue that has triggered criticism from Opposition parties and sparked demands for accountability. (File image: PTI)
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday launched a sharp counterattack on the Opposition over its criticism of the alleged donation theft at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, claiming that a similar controversy involving the Siddhivinayak Temple took place when Opposition parties were in power.
Speaking in the Maharashtra Legislative Council on the final day of the monsoon session, Shinde said the alleged irregularities in handling donations at the Ram Temple had deeply hurt devotees and must be dealt with strictly.
“Whatever has happened in connection with the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has deeply pained every Ram Bhakt. It is unacceptable, and no one can justify or defend it,” Shinde said.
He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had assured the country that those found guilty would face strict action.
“The Prime Minister and the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister have both assured the nation that no one found guilty will be spared and that those responsible will face the full force of the law,” he said.
Shinde Targets Opposition
Replying to an Opposition-sponsored ‘Last Week Motion’, Shinde accused his political rivals of selectively raising questions over the Ayodhya controversy while remaining silent on alleged irregularities linked to Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple during their tenure.
“Those raising questions today must also explain why there was no similar outrage or demand for accountability when the alleged Siddhivinayak Temple donation scam took place during the Opposition’s tenure in power,” he said.
The Shiv Sena leader maintained that his allegations were backed by documentary evidence.
“I am not making this claim without basis. There is documentary evidence and reports that support what I am saying,” Shinde told the House.
Shinde’s remarks came amid an intensifying political confrontation over the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, an issue that has triggered criticism from Opposition parties and sparked demands for accountability.
The Deputy Chief Minister’s comments were widely seen as a reference to the period when Uddhav Thackeray served as Maharashtra Chief Minister and appointments were made to the Siddhivinayak Temple Trust, which manages the iconic Mumbai shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
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Saurabh Verma is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, specializing in Indian politics, national current affairs, and breaking global news. With years of experience tracking power shifts, election strateg…Read More
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