Say this if Ram temple was also a ‘jumla’: Uddhav Thackeray in Ayodhya

Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray, who is on a two-day visit to the temple town of Ayodhya, on Sunday intensified his attack against the Narendra Modi government over the issue of Ram temple in the holy city – believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram. Speaking to reporters during a press conference, the Sena chief said the BJP government will not return to power if they don’t build Ram temple. Taking a jibe at the Modi government, Thackeray said that if the court is to decide the fate of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, then the BJP should not use the issue to gain votes in elections and tell the people that it was also a ‘jumla’ (gimmick).

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“If the matter has to go to court then don’t use the issue during elections and say that brother and sisters forgive us as this was also an election ‘jumla’. But don’t play with the sentiments of Hindus,” Thackeray said.

Taking a dig at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over his remark on Ram temple, the Sena leader said, “I have heard that CM Yogi had said that there was a temple in Ayodhya, it is there in Ayodhya and will always remain in Ayodhya. This is what we think, this is our faith. But the sad part that it is not visible yet. When will the temple appear?”

The Shiv Sena leader said that he came to Ayodhya to express the sentiments of Hindus across the world and had no other hidden agenda.

"The saints who blessed me yesterday, I had told them that the work which we are about to begin can't be done without their blessings. I've no hidden agenda in coming to Ayodhya. I have come to express sentiments of all Indians and Hindus across the world. All are waiting for Ram Temple," he said.

Earlier in the day, Thackeray offered prayers at the Ram Lalla temple in Ayodhya along with his family members. On Saturday, the Leader of the right-wing Sena party had arrived in Ayodhya to push the ruling BJP government in the Centre and the state for construction of a grand temple of Hindu deity Ram.

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During his maiden visit to Ayodhya, Thackeray launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the delay in their part in the construction of Ram temple. Taking a jibe at the prime minister, he said that a broader 56-inch chest wasn't enough and it takes sheer courage to build the temple.