Mumbai, July 4 (IANS) Shiv Sena-UBT MP Sanjay Raut said on Saturday that the party, led by its Chief Uddhav Thackeray, will announce an agitation at the Hanuman Temple in Mumbai’s Dadar area on Sunday against the alleged misappropriation of funds and offerings at Ayodhya’s Ram Temple.
Speaking to:, Raut said: “Tomorrow at 4 p.m., we will announce our protest at the Hanuman Temple in Mumbai’s Dadar against the alleged loot and theft at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Shiv Sena-UBT Chief Uddhav Thackeray will be present, and thousands of Ram devotees are expected to participate. We appeal to everyone who has faith in Lord Ram to join us.”
“There are allegations that Lord Ram’s ornaments, Sita Mata’s ornaments, and temple donations have been stolen. Who is responsible for this? Thousands of people sacrificed their lives for the Ram Temple movement. During the riots in Mumbai (in the aftermath of the Babri Masjid demolition), hundreds of ‘Shiv Sainiks’ lost their lives while protecting Hindus,” he added.
Launching a harsh critique against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Raut alleged: “At that time, BJP and RSS leaders were sitting at home, while we were on the streets. This is our duty and right to ask questions from them (BJP and RSS) that who is behind these thefts?”
Referring to the RSS General Secreatary Dattatreya Hosabale’s statement regarding the alleged embezzlement of Ram temple donation in Ayodhya, the Shiv Sena-UBT MP said: “He (Hosabale) has asked to exercise restraint and maintain patience but had we kept patience, would the Ram Temple have been built? It required so many sacrifices. Such remarks don’t suit him.”
The RSS on Friday cautioned the Hindu community to exercise restraint and not get misled by anti-national forces using the Ram Temple donation theft to defame the religion and society.
The Shiv Sena-UBT MP urged for the immediate dismissal of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
“An FIR regarding the thefts, should be lodged against the entire Temple Trust and everyone should be arrested,” Raut said.
He also alleged: “Whether it is Mahakal, Kedarnath, or other temples, BJP-affiliated people are present everywhere. They have taken control of temples and, in the name of God, are engaging in loot. This is their version of Hindutva — people vote them in the name of Hindutva and they in turn are exploiting Hindus.”
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(Written with inputs from IANS)
