16 July,2026 01:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sanjay Raut. File Pic
Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Thursday invited Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to participate in the party's 'Ram Raksha Andolan', scheduled to be held in Nagpur on July 18. The protest has been organised over allegations of embezzlement of donations collected at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
The agitation will be led by Shiv Sena (UBT) chief and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, who had earlier announced that he would personally take part in the protest in Nagpur, the hometown of Chief Minister Fadnavis.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, Raut referred to Fadnavis' earlier statements about his participation in the movement for the Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya.
"Today, crimes such as theft, robbery, and fraud are allegedly taking place in this very Ram Temple, and it is claimed that hundreds of crores of rupees have been misappropriated," Raut wrote in the letter, which he also shared on his Facebook page.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader urged Fadnavis to join the protest, saying it was intended to raise public awareness about the alleged financial irregularities linked to the temple.
Raut also referred to reported comments by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), claiming that the organisation had expressed concern over the reported thefts in Ayodhya.
"The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has itself expressed 'grief' over the reported thefts in Ayodhya," the Rajya Sabha member stated in his letter.
Inviting the Chief Minister to participate in the demonstration, Raut added, "To raise public awareness about the alleged looting associated with the Ram Temple, the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) has launched the 'Ram Raksha' campaign. Understand that 'Ram Raksha' means 'the protection of Lord Ram'."
The protest follows allegations of embezzlement of donations received at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, which surfaced last month.
Following the allegations, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on June 13 to investigate the matter.
According to official information, an FIR was registered on June 25 after the SIT submitted its preliminary report on June 23. Police subsequently arrested eight accused in connection with the case.
The alleged financial irregularities have triggered a political debate, with opposition parties demanding accountability and a transparent investigation into the handling of donations collected at the Ram Temple.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) has said its 'Ram Raksha Andolan' is aimed at highlighting the allegations and seeking action against those found responsible.
(With inputs from PTI)
