Nagpur, July 18: Uddhav Thackeray, the leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), led a protest against the alleged theft at the Ayodhya temple on Saturday. The demonstration, titled “Ram Raksha Nagar,” aimed to highlight the need for safeguarding the temple.
Thackeray also responded sharply to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who questioned his religious credentials and knowledge of sacred mantras.
He stated that protecting Ram is the true duty of devoted followers. Thackeray argued that a genuine devotee’s true test lies not just in prayer but in actively defending the sanctity of the deity against corruption.
Addressing a gathering in Fadnavis’s home turf, Thackeray criticized the Chief Minister’s challenge regarding the recitation of the Ram Raksha. He expressed disappointment that even after the grand temple’s construction, there is still a need for a campaign to protect it.
“Reciting the Ram Raksha may be your task, but protecting Lord Ram is our duty. We are the true guardians of Ram. If you lack true devotion in your heart, yet chant His name, it is meaningless,” he remarked.
Thackeray condemned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for exploiting Hindutva for political gain and urged people from all political parties to expose the BJP’s hypocrisy and theft concerning the Ayodhya temple. This temple was established following repeated calls from Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray.
He encouraged Shiv Sainiks to protest in their villages, particularly in Vidarbha, where the BJP holds a significant number of seats. Thackeray announced that he would personally lead protests in major cities.
As Maharashtra approaches upcoming political contests, the UBT faction’s “Ram Raksha” movement represents a significant step in challenging the BJP on its core ideological ground of Hindutva. The protest, led by Thackeray, saw participation from senior leaders like Sanjay Raut, Chandrakant Khaire, Aaditya Thackeray, and Ambadas Danve. During the demonstration, Thackeray publicly recited the Ram Raksha Stotra.
–
Leave a Comment