08 July,2026 09:41 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Uddhav Thackeray. File Pic
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has directed party legislators to expand the "Ram Raksha Andolan" against the ruling BJP across Maharashtra by taking the campaign to the district level and major cities.
Thackeray held a meeting with Shiv Sena (UBT) MLAs and MLCs at his residence "Matoshri" in Mumbai's Bandra area late Tuesday evening, where he discussed the future course of the agitation and other political issues.
The former Maharashtra chief minister, who launched the "Ram Raksha Andolan" on Sunday, has accused the BJP over the alleged donation theft at the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
During the meeting, Thackeray asked party leaders to organise the agitation across districts and in cities such as Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Ratnagiri.
According to sources, Thackeray or his son and MLA Aaditya Thackeray is likely to participate in the protest planned in Nagpur, a city considered politically significant as it is home to the headquarters of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
The party is expected to intensify its campaign in the coming days as part of its strategy to target the ruling BJP over the alleged irregularities linked to donations collected for the Ram temple.
The alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple came to light on June 7. Following this, an FIR was registered on June 25 based on a preliminary report submitted by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government.
According to officials, eight people associated with the temple's donation-counting process have been arrested so far. The investigation into the matter is still underway.
The issue has triggered political reactions, with opposition parties questioning the handling of donations and demanding accountability.
Apart from the agitation, Thackeray also asked Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders to closely monitor the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Maharashtra.
The exercise has become a key focus for political parties as they prepare their organisational strategies ahead of future elections.
Thackeray also reviewed the issues raised by Shiv Sena (UBT) members in both Houses of the Maharashtra legislature during the ongoing monsoon session.
A party legislator said discussions included the performance of party representatives, key concerns raised in the Assembly and Council, and plans to strengthen the party's outreach across the state.
The meeting was part of the party leadership's efforts to coordinate political activities and prepare its workers for upcoming campaigns.
(With inputs from PTI)
