Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray announces a “Ram Raksha” agitation in Maharashtra starting July 5, responding to a dispute over alleged theft and embezzlement of donations collected for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Thackeray appeals to people “agitated” by the allegations to join the protest and hold the BJP accountable. Speaking at reporters’ briefings and party meetings, he argues that those who endured hardships during the Ram temple movement should not see the sacrifices go to waste, and he demands strict punishment for those allegedly involved.
Across the reports, Thackeray questions whether the allegedly stolen donations were misused, including claims that money could have been used for political purposes such as poaching opposition leaders. He also expands his criticism to other Hindu pilgrimage sites, alleging that if Ayodhya shows wrongdoing, other temples’ funds may also be at risk. The planned event in Mumbai includes a gathering at the Hanuman Temple in Dadar with prayers and recitation of religious texts.
The underlying allegations trace back to late June, when an FIR was registered after a preliminary report by UP’s Special Investigation Team, and arrests have been reported among people connected to donation and counting processes as the investigation continues.
