Uddhav Thackeray alleges Ram Temple funds used to split parties

Mumbai: Uddhav Thackeray on Friday attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the alleged siphoning of donations from the Ram Temple, alleging that the ruling party may have used the funds to break rival political parties. Thackeray announced that his party will launch a new movement across the state to draw the attention of the Hindu community to the alleged 'dacoity' at the temple.

"Dacoity is happening at the Ram Temple. There is evidence of it. Some are saying the money is being used to break other parties. This is a very serious thing. Atal Bihari Vajpayee once said that Hindus will no longer be victims. Today, I will say that Hindus will not forgive those who are looting our temples," Thackeray said.

He was addressing a press conference at which he announced that his party would organise a 'Ram Raksha' protest across Maharashtra from July 5 over the alleged embezzlement of donations from the Ram Temple. The Shiv Sena (UBT) president said party workers and Hindu devotees would gather at the Hanuman Temple in Dadar, Mumbai, on Sunday to recite the Hanuman Stotra and Hanuman Chalisa. Thackeray said the party would take the movement across the state. "We will not let the sacrifices of those who gave their lives, blood, and sweat for the Ram Temple movement go in vain. We will take responsibility for this. We will not tolerate this loot in the name of Hindutva. The BJP is wearing the burqa of Hindutva to loot temples."


Referring to allegations that only minor players have been arrested in the theft case, Thackeray said he feared that the 'big fish' had been spared. "I fear that tomorrow these people may be felicitated or even appointed governors."