19 July,2026 02:41 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondent
Uddhav Thackeray performs aarti at a Ram temple in Nagpur before launching the `Ram Raksha Andolan`. File pic
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday offered prayers and performed aarti at a Ram temple in Nagpur before launching the party's 'Ram Raksha Andolan', a protest centred on allegations of embezzlement of donations collected at the Ayodhya Ram temple. The programme combined religious observance with a political campaign, as party leaders reiterated their demand for accountability and transparency in the handling of temple donations.
As per PTI, Thackeray was accompanied by his son and party leader Aaditya Thackeray, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut, party MPs, MLAs, office-bearers and a large number of Shiv Sena (UBT) workers. The leaders gathered at the Ram temple in Nagpur's Ram Nagar area, where they offered prayers and participated in the aarti before proceeding with the protest programme.
Following the religious ceremony, Uddhav addressed party workers and supporters gathered outside the temple, outlining the purpose of the 'Ram Raksha Andolan' and reiterating the party's stand on the alleged financial irregularities linked to temple donations.
The agitation comes in the wake of allegations regarding the misappropriation of donations made by devotees to the Ayodhya Ram temple. The issue sparked political debate after the allegations surfaced last month, prompting calls for a thorough investigation and accountability.
In response, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on June 13 to examine the allegations. After reviewing the preliminary findings, the SIT submitted its report on June 23, following which an FIR was registered on June 25.
Authorities subsequently arrested eight accused in connection with the case, and the investigation remains underway. Officials have said the probe aims to establish whether any financial irregularities occurred and identify those responsible.
The protest is also being viewed as part of the Shiv Sena (UBT)'s broader political outreach, with the party seeking to highlight issues related to transparency and accountability while invoking religious sentiment. The development comes as political parties continue to sharpen their campaigns ahead of upcoming electoral contests in Maharashtra.
(With inputs from PTI)
