‘Even Vishnu’s 13th Avatar Can’t Save India’: Shiv Sena (UBT) Tears Into Modi, BJP Over China, Ram Mandir Row.

BJP’s Patriotism, Hindutva a ‘Sham’, Says Shiv Sena (UBT); Saamana Editorial Targets Centre Over China, Ram Mandir Issues.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Mumbai | July 2, 2026:: The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) on Wednesday launched a sharp political attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, alleging that the party’s claims of patriotism and Hindutva are “nothing but a sham.” In a strongly worded editorial published in its mouthpiece Saamana, the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction accused the BJP of hypocrisy on issues concerning religion, national security, and governance.

The editorial alleged that while the BJP frequently projects itself as the sole protector of Hindutva and nationalism, its actions contradict those claims. Drawing a comparison with the mythological figure Ravana, the editorial stated that although Ravana is portrayed as a villain, he was not a hypocrite and “did not rob the donation boxes of Ram temples,” unlike what it claimed was happening under the BJP’s rule.

The party further argued that the country was witnessing an erosion of democratic values and constitutional principles. It claimed that if citizens failed to express concern over the alleged looting of Lord Ram’s temple donations, the alleged theft of the nation’s land, and what it described as the weakening of democracy and the Constitution, the country would continue to descend into moral and political decline. According to the editorial, such developments represented the peak of the “Kali Yuga,” where selfishness, corruption, and immorality had become normalised.

Linking religious issues with national security, the editorial alleged that reports of thefts involving donations and valuables from the Ram Mandir coincided with growing concerns over alleged Chinese incursions into Indian territory. It claimed that while discussions surrounding the alleged misappropriation of temple donations were gaining attention across the country and abroad, reports had emerged suggesting that China had established control over several villages in Arunachal Pradesh. The editorial alleged that religious sentiments were being exploited and claimed that those responsible for the alleged thefts enjoyed political protection.

The editorial also referred to activist Sonam Wangchuk, alleging that after he raised concerns over Chinese intrusions into Ladakh, he was labelled anti-national and jailed. It argued that a similar pattern was now emerging in Arunachal Pradesh.

Citing claims made by members of the indigenous Nah tribal community in the Upper Subansiri district, the editorial alleged that the People’s Liberation Army had encroached upon Indian territory in the Taksing revenue area, violating the international border. It alleged that despite repeated warnings from local tribal communities regarding China’s expansionist activities, authorities had failed to take adequate action or address concerns related to national security.

The editorial, titled “विष्णूचा तेरावा अवतारही देश वाचवू शकत नाही!” (“Even the Thirteenth Incarnation of Vishnu Cannot Save the Country”), also made a pointed political reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Referring to the “13th incarnation of Lord Vishnu”—a description that has previously been associated with remarks attributed to Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra General Secretary Champat Rai—the editorial argued that even such an incarnation would be incapable of saving the country under the present circumstances. It alleged that the Centre had failed to respond effectively to China’s alleged territorial aggression and had also failed to address the controversy surrounding the alleged theft of donations from the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. The editorial used the phrase to underscore what it described as the government’s inability to safeguard both national sovereignty and the sanctity of one of Hinduism’s holiest temples.

The editorial contrasted what it described as the BJP’s aggressive political campaign against alleged Bangladeshi infiltration, particularly in West Bengal, with what it called the Centre’s silence over alleged Chinese incursions in Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh. According to the party, this reflected serious weaknesses in India’s defence preparedness and raised questions about the government’s priorities.

Targeting the Union government, the Shiv Sena (UBT) alleged that Narendra Modi and the BJP had remained silent over China’s alleged land-grabbing activities. The editorial claimed that while the Prime Minister was on an overseas visit, China had continued its alleged incursions into Arunachal Pradesh. It also criticised Rajnath Singh for not issuing an official clarification on the matter.

The party further accused the BJP of focusing on weakening opposition parties through defections and political realignments instead of addressing national security challenges. It alleged that while leaders frequently adopted a strong posture against Pakistan and Bangladesh, they failed to respond firmly to China. Referring to the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, the editorial said that despite the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers, the government had not undertaken retaliatory action against China.

Concluding its attack, the editorial alleged that despite reports of thefts involving donation boxes at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir and continuing concerns over alleged Chinese encroachments, BJP leaders continued to portray themselves as the true custodians of Hindutva and patriotism. The Shiv Sena (UBT) asserted that such claims lacked credibility in light of what it described as the government’s failure to protect both religious institutions and India’s territorial integrity.

The BJP had not immediately responded to the allegations made in the editorial.
…
_Agency Inputs.