Politics – Uddhav Thackeray Criticises BJP Over Ram Temple Donation Investigation
Politics –Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party during a public meeting in Maharashtra’s Yavatmal-Washim constituency on Saturday. Referring to the ongoing controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the former Maharashtra Chief Minister accused the BJP of hurting the sentiments of Hindu devotees. He asserted that his party would continue raising its voice against what he described as the misuse of faith for political purposes.
Ram Temple Donation Case Becomes Political Flashpoint
Speaking before party workers and supporters, Thackeray claimed that the values of Hindutva should be rooted in humanity and public trust rather than controversy. He alleged that incidents linked to the management of temple donations had weakened the BJP’s moral position on religious issues. Calling for what he termed a “BJP-mukt Ram,” he said the Shiv Sena (UBT) would organise democratic protests to highlight its stand.
The remarks come as the Ram Temple donation case has generated widespread political debate. Authorities investigating the matter have pointed to procedural lapses in the handling of donations. Eight individuals associated with counting cash and valuable offerings were arrested, and investigators stated that approximately Rs 79.85 lakh had been recovered during the probe. A court recently remanded all eight accused to judicial custody as the investigation continues.
Allegations of Political Engineering
During the rally, Thackeray also accused the BJP of encouraging divisions within opposition parties to shift public attention away from key governance issues. According to him, political defections were being used as a strategy instead of addressing concerns affecting ordinary citizens.
He argued that ideological commitment should remain stronger than political convenience and maintained that his party would continue opposing what it considers attempts to weaken regional political movements through engineered splits.
Apology to Supporters Over Rebel Leader
Addressing the recent rebellion within the Shiv Sena (UBT), Thackeray expressed regret for recommending a leader who later left the party. Without holding back, he apologised to party workers and voters, saying they had supported the candidate based on his assurance and the Shiv Sena’s leadership.
He remarked that the trust placed by supporters had been damaged after the leader changed political allegiance. Thackeray further stated that several individuals who had once represented the party had ultimately betrayed the confidence of dedicated Shiv Sena workers.
Claims of Loyalty Among Party Cadre
Continuing his criticism of former party colleagues, Thackeray said that committed Shiv Sainiks had remained with him despite repeated political challenges. He contrasted them with leaders who recently joined the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
According to Thackeray, those who stayed loyal had protected the party’s identity, while those who switched sides had disappointed both workers and voters. He added that he felt embarrassed that some of the rebel leaders had remained associated with the organisation for so many years before eventually leaving.
Revival of “50 Khokha” Allegation
Thackeray also revived the opposition’s long-standing “50 khokha” slogan while criticising the 2022 Shiv Sena split. Referring to earlier allegations that legislators were offered Rs 50 crore each during the political crisis, he questioned what the value of Members of Parliament would be if similar political defections continued.
The BJP and leaders aligned with Eknath Shinde have consistently rejected such allegations. However, the slogan continues to feature prominently in Maharashtra’s political discourse, with opposition parties using it to criticise the circumstances surrounding the split in the Shiv Sena.