Shiv Sena leaders accuse BJP of looting Ram Temple donations, plan Mumbai protest

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray alleged that the ruling BJP stole money donated by worshippers at the Ayodhya Ram Temple. He announced a statewide "Ram Raksha" protest to begin on 5 July in Mumbai’s Dadar area, near the Hanuman temple, and said participants would recite the Ram Raksha Stotra, Hanuman Stotra and Hanuman Chalisa. He invited “every Hindu who cannot tolerate this theft” to join the demonstration.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut echoed the accusations, calling the alleged theft “shameful” and demanding that any investigation be overseen by the Supreme Court. He also linked the controversy to recent rain‑related deaths in Mumbai, criticized local BJP leaders for their response, and called for accountability from municipal officials.

Both leaders framed the issue as part of a broader political dispute with the BJP and signaled plans for further protests at local temples across the state.