27 June,2026 03:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Uddhav Thackeray. Pic/X
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday launched a multi-pronged attack on the BJP and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, accusing the ruling party of betraying Hindus through the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and reviving his "50 khokha" allegation over the 2022 Shiv Sena split.
Addressing party workers and a press conference during his visit to Yavatmal, Thackeray also criticised recent defections from the Shiv Sena (UBT), apologised to supporters for backing leaders who later switched sides and asserted that "true Shivsainiks" continue to stand with him.
His remarks came a day after eight persons accused in the alleged embezzlement of Ram Temple donations were remanded in judicial custody, with investigators reporting the recovery of Rs 79.85 lakh.
Referring to the alleged misappropriation of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Thackeray accused the BJP of exploiting religious sentiments for political gain.
"Real Hindutva teaches humanity. We reject your (BJP's) Hindutva of looting temples. We want 'BJP-mukt Ram' and Shiv Sena (UBT) will lead such protests," he said.
He also alleged that the BJP was engineering splits in political parties to divert public attention from issues affecting people.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief said his party would oppose what he described as attempts to politicise religion while reaffirming its commitment to its interpretation of Hindutva.
Thackeray also revived the politically charged "50 khokha" allegation while targeting Eknath Shinde over the 2022 rebellion in the undivided Shiv Sena.
"Shinde is sitting over there, having committed betrayal. Back then it was written on the bullocks -- '50 crores'. The going rate of MLAs was 50 crores -- so what must it be now?" Thackeray said.
The phrase "50 khokha" has been repeatedly used by the Shiv Sena (UBT) to allege that MLAs who switched allegiance during the 2022 split were offered Rs 50 crore each. Leaders of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena have consistently denied the allegation.
Referring to the recent rebellion within the party, Thackeray apologised to supporters for recommending leaders who later defected.
"At my suggestion, I gave you a scarecrow... you elected him, and for that I apologise. You elected him only on the face of the Shiv Sena chief and on my words. He betrayed us and blackened the trust you placed in him. There is a herd of traitors," he said.
The remarks came days after six Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, further intensifying the political battle between the rival factions.
Thanking party workers for attending the gathering despite the onset of the monsoon, Thackeray compared their support to the rains that bring new life.
"The monsoon season is beginning... all of you are farmers from rural areas. Thank you for leaving your fields and coming here. The love of the workers is my monsoon season. In the monsoon, trees get new shoots. First, we must deal with the traitors," he said.
He also said he felt disappointed that several rebel leaders had remained in the party for years before eventually leaving.
"The true Shivsainiks are with me. As for the others, you are all witnessing their behaviour. I honestly feel ashamed that they managed to remain in our company for as long as they did," Thackeray said.
His comments come amid an intensifying political confrontation between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena following the recent defections, with leaders from both factions continuing to trade allegations over loyalty, ideology and the future of the party.
(With inputs from PTI and ANI)
