Maharashtra BJP president and state minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Friday launched a sharp attack on Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, accusing him of using Lord Ram for political gains and questioning his commitment to Hindutva.
Responding to Uddhav Thackeray’s recent ‘Ram Raksha’ campaign, Bawankule claimed the initiative was politically motivated and alleged that the former Chief Minister had distanced himself from the Ram temple movement when it mattered most.
“Uddhav Thackeray’s Ram Raksha recital is an act of hypocrisy. Balasaheb Thackeray would have been pained to see Uddhav losing his way. Despite being invited to the Ram Temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, Uddhav Thackeray chose not to attend. He has made Lord Ram a political issue, whereas for us, Lord Ram represents faith, values and culture. After losing public support, Uddhav Thackeray is now trying to rebuild his vote bank by invoking Lord Ram. He did not take to the streets when it was necessary, but now that everyone has deserted him, he remembers Lord Ram. Devendra Fadnavis does not need lessons on Hindutva. He has dedicated his life to preserving Hindu traditions and culture. He is a devotee of Lord Ram and participated in the Babri movement’s kar seva, while others were inactive. Whenever Uddhav Thackeray comes to Nagpur, he only indulges in criticism,” Bawankule said.
The BJP leader defended Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, saying his commitment to Hindutva and Lord Ram had been demonstrated through years of public life and participation in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. He rejected suggestions that the BJP needed lessons on Hindutva from the Shiv Sena (UBT).
