Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jul 4: Sanjay Raut on Saturday announced that Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) will launch an agitation on Sunday over alleged irregularities involving donations and valuables at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
Speaking to reporters, Raut said the party would announce its protest at the Hanuman Temple in Mumbai's Dadar at 4 p.m., where Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray is expected to be present along with thousands of devotees.
He appealed to people who have faith in Lord Ram to participate in the demonstration.
Raut referred to allegations regarding the disappearance of ornaments belonging to Lord Ram and Sita, as well as alleged irregularities involving temple donations. He questioned who was responsible for the alleged misappropriation and said many people had sacrificed their lives during the Ram Temple movement.
Recalling the communal riots that followed the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Mumbai, Raut claimed that several Shiv Sena workers had lost their lives while protecting Hindus.
Targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Raut alleged that while Shiv Sena workers were active during the Ram Temple movement, BJP and RSS leaders remained on the sidelines. He said the party had every right to seek accountability over the alleged irregularities.
Responding to recent remarks by RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, who had urged restraint over the controversy, Raut said patience alone would not have led to the construction of the Ram Temple and argued that the movement had required immense sacrifice.
On Friday, the RSS had appealed to the Hindu community to remain calm and not be influenced by what it described as attempts by anti-national forces to exploit allegations concerning Ram Temple donations to malign Hindu society.
Raut also demanded the immediate dismissal of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, which manages the Ayodhya temple. He called for an FIR to be registered against the trust and sought the arrest of those found responsible if the allegations were substantiated.
He further alleged that individuals associated with the BJP had gained control over the administration of several major temples, including those at Mahakaleshwar Temple and Kedarnath Temple, accusing them of exploiting religious institutions for financial gain. The BJP has not responded to these specific allegations.