‘Hindutva Insulted’: Uddhav Thackeray Targets BJP Over Ram Temple Donation Controversy.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Mumbai | July 7, 2026::  Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has launched a fresh attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the alleged embezzlement of donations made at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, asserting that the controversy has brought disrepute to the ideology of Hindutva and deeply hurt the sentiments of millions of devotees.

Addressing party workers during the launch of the ‘Ram Raksha Andolan’ in Mumbai, Thackeray said that those who came to power in the name of Lord Ram had failed to safeguard the faith of Hindu devotees. “We are staunch Hindus, but Hindus are not fools. Those who loot temples by exploiting people’s faith will never be forgiven,” he said, accusing the BJP of betraying the ideals of Hindutva.

Recalling the undivided Shiv Sena’s contribution to the construction of the Ayodhya Ram Temple, Thackeray said the party had donated ₹1 crore and also offered a silver brick as a symbolic contribution. He questioned the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust over the whereabouts of these offerings, asking why there had been no official acknowledgement or clarity regarding the donations.

“The Shiv Sena had donated ₹1 crore and a silver brick with devotion. Where are those offerings today? The devotees of Lord Ram deserve an answer,” Thackeray said, demanding complete transparency in the management of temple donations. His remarks echoed earlier allegations made by Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, who had claimed that both the cash donation and the silver brick remained unaccounted for.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief also alleged that the controversy was not merely a financial irregularity but an insult to the Hindu faith itself. He claimed that while the BJP frequently invoked Hindutva during elections, it had failed to protect the sanctity of one of Hinduism’s holiest shrines.

The remarks come amid an ongoing investigation into the alleged misappropriation of donations collected at the Ram Temple. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government has uncovered serious lapses in the temple’s donation management system. According to the investigation, standard operating procedures for handling and counting donations were allegedly ignored, enabling theft and embezzlement of cash and valuables.

Police investigating the case have conducted multiple searches, recovering cash, gold jewellery and other assets from the accused, while freezing several bank accounts as they probe the alleged diversion of temple funds. Authorities are also examining financial transactions and investments linked to the suspects.

The controversy has triggered sharp political reactions across party lines. The Congress has accused the BJP of shielding those responsible for the alleged irregularities, while the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has demanded a Supreme Court judge-led inquiry into the matter.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), too, has expressed concern over the episode. RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale described the alleged theft as “highly condemnable” and said both the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and the SIT must take effective corrective measures to restore the confidence of devotees and ensure that such incidents are not repeated.

The BJP, however, has rejected Thackeray’s allegations. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis accused the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader of attempting to derive political mileage from the issue and claimed that Thackeray had himself abandoned the path of Lord Ram by aligning with parties that opposed the BJP.

The alleged Ram Temple donation scandal has emerged as a major political flashpoint, with opposition parties demanding greater transparency and accountability in the management of devotees’ contributions, while the investigation into the alleged embezzlement continues.

Read also: Ram Mandir theft, Hindu nationalism, and politics (Part – I)

Read also: Will theft affect Hindutva, UP poll? (Part – II)

Read also: SC to hear Ram temple donation case pleas on July 13.

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_Agency Inputs.