Ayodhya temple donations row: Uddhav Thackeray announces ‘Ram Raksha’ protest in Maharashtra from July 5

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday announced a statewide "Ram Raksha" agitation from July 5 over the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple, urging people to join the protest and hold the BJP accountable.

The campaign will begin on Sunday at the Hanuman temple in Mumbai's Dadar, where supporters will recite the "Hanuman Stotra" and "Hanuman Chalisa".

"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 said.


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He demanded strict action against those allegedly involved in the donation theft, saying, "Ab Hindu maaf nahi karega." Referring to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's remark, "Ab Hindu maar nahi khayega," Thackeray said Hindus would no longer forgive those responsible for alleged wrongdoing in the name of faith.

Thackeray alleged that people across the country were facing multiple hardships despite the BJP being in power at the Centre and several states. He claimed the party had politically benefited from the Ram temple movement while those who participated in it had made significant sacrifices.

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He also accused the BJP of engineering defections and horse-trading of opposition legislators, asking whether the ruling party was carrying out an "Operation Ram Mandir". Referring to allegations of donation embezzlement, he questioned whether the allegedly stolen money had been used to poach opposition leaders.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief said "loot in the name of Hindutva" would not be tolerated and alleged that the BJP's slogan of "Mandir wahi banayenge" had turned out to be a facade.

The alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple came to light on June 7. An FIR was registered on June 25 based on a preliminary report submitted by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government. Eight people associated with the temple's donation collection and counting process have been arrested, and the investigation is ongoing.

(With inputs from agencies)