Introduction
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has ignited a political firestorm with his recent warning of a “conspiracy yielding a Godhra-like incident” in the name of the Ram temple inauguration in Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya. The highly anticipated temple inauguration is scheduled for January, just months before the Lok Sabha election, and is expected to draw tens of thousands of Hindus from across the country.
In a controversial statement made at an event in Jalgaon, Uddhav Thackeray voiced concerns about the safety of the attendees, suggesting that there was a “possibility that many Hindus will be called from all over the country in buses and trains… and, while returning from there, a Godhra incident can be carried out somewhere on the way.” He warned of potential attacks, bus burnings, and riots that could disrupt the peace in the country.
These remarks by Mr. Thackeray have not gone unnoticed, prompting swift and sharp reactions from members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad criticized his former ally, reminding him of the late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray’s support for the Ram temple movement. Prasad even questioned whether Balasaheb Thackeray would have approved of his son’s statements, stating, “With whose blessings he became a big leader… will he speak like this? The Ram Janmbhoomi movement which Balasaheb blessed? This alliance against PM Modi can go to any limits for votes.”
Anurag Thakur condemns Remark
Union Minister Anurag Thakur also condemned Mr. Thackeray’s remarks, accusing him of being “greedy.” Thakur redirected the conversation to a separate controversy involving Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s comments on ‘Sanatan Dharm’.
The Ram temple, situated on land claimed by both Hindus and Muslims but awarded to the former by the Supreme Court in a landmark 2019 verdict, is set to be inaugurated months before the crucial 2024 general election. The BJP, which has been a vocal proponent of the temple’s construction, will be seeking an unprecedented third term in power.
Conclusion
As political tensions rise over Uddhav Thackeray’s controversial remarks, the nation watches closely, wondering whether these statements will have lasting implications on the political landscape and the upcoming election. The safety and security of the temple’s attendees remain a paramount concern, with the government and opposition parties locked in a heated exchange of words over the issue.
