Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday began the party’s Ram Raksha agitation in Mumbai regarding alleged misuse of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. He accused the BJP of exploiting religious sentiments and stated that those involved in taking from Hindus hold power. Speaking to supporters outside the Hanuman temple in Dadar after reciting prayers, Thackeray called for an independent inquiry into the reported financial issues tied to temple donations. He noted that anyone misusing religious symbols to take from a temple would face consequences from the community and stressed the need for a fair investigation. A person involved in a theft cannot probe their own actions, he added. Dressed in a saffron kurta, the leader sought to separate his party’s approach to Hindu identity from that of the BJP. He described his supporters as proud and devoted Hindus who love the nation but are not naive. Thackeray claimed the BJP gained office using the name of Lord Ram yet failed devotees. He recalled how the Shiv Sena founder had supported Hindus in tough periods such as after the Mumbai blasts. On the party split and loss of its symbol, he said the group remained the Hanuman Sena and referenced the Ramayana to highlight courage. Thackeray urged Hindus to awaken, noting Lord Ram belongs to all and the community must be freed from the BJP. He expressed worry about future issues in other sites if the current allegations are ignored. The agitation follows an ongoing probe into the reported donation misuse at the Ayodhya temple. Irregularities emerged in June, leading the Uttar Pradesh government to form a special team. An FIR was filed on June 25, and eight individuals linked to donation handling have been arrested, with the inquiry continuing.
