Uddhav targets BJP over Ayodhya donation row, seeks impartial probe
NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, claiming that ‘those looting Hindus are in power’ and demanding an impartial investigation into the case.Addressing the party’s ‘Ram Raksha’ agitation outside the Hanuman Temple in Mumbai’s Dadar, where party workers recited the Hanuman Stotra and Hanuman Chalisa, Thackeray said those accused of misusing Hindutva should face strict action.”If anyone loots a temple by misusing Hindutva, then Hindus will not spare them,” he said.Wearing a saffron kurta, Thackeray alleged that those responsible for protecting Hindu interests were themselves involved in wrongdoing.”It is unfortunate that those looting Hindus are in power. A robber cannot be asked to probe his robbery. It has to be done impartially,” he said.Referring to the BJP’s long-standing slogan on temple issues, Thackeray said he was concerned about what could happen in other religious places.”They say Ayodhya was a trailer, and Kashi and Mathura are yet to come; I am worried about the loot there,” he said.He also asserted that Hindus would not tolerate corruption carried out in the name of religion. “We are fierce, innocent, nation-loving Hindus, but not fools,” Thackeray said.The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader further said that Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray had awakened Hindus, but claimed that they were now being ‘hypnotised’.The remarks come amid continuing political controversy over the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.The alleged financial irregularities came to light on June 7. Following a preliminary report by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), the Uttar Pradesh Police registered an FIR on June 25 and began a detailed investigation into the case.So far, eight people associated with the temple’s donation collection and counting process have been arrested, while the SIT continues to investigate the alleged embezzlement and examine the handling of devotees’ offerings.The controversy also prompted Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra to resign, taking moral responsibility for the incident. The Trust has said it is committed to ensuring a fair investigation and maintaining the faith of devotees.The Ayodhya case has also triggered wider scrutiny over the management of temple donations, with authorities in Uttarakhand recently ordering an inquiry into allegations of irregularities in the handling of offerings at Shri Badrinath Dham.
