Sanjay Raut Mocks BJP Over Ram Janmabhoomi, Suggests Lord Ram as Election Candidate

Mumbai, 30th December 2023: In the lead-up to the inauguration of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya, Sanjay Raut, a Member of Parliament from Shiv Sena (UBT), employed a sarcastic tone to critique the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Raut’s comments centred on the perceived politicization of Lord Ram’s name, suggesting that the BJP might go so far as to declare Lord Ram as their election candidate.

Expressing his scepticism about the BJP’s actions, Raut quipped, “Now, the only thing left is that the BJP will announce that Lord Ram will be their candidate for the elections. So much politics is being done in the name of Lord Ram.” The sarcasm was directed at the central government, with a focus on the Shiv Sena’s historical role in the Babri Masjid demolition.

Raut clarified his stance on the demolition, attributing responsibility to Shiv Sena workers, particularly the Kothari brothers, rather than the BJP or Sangh Parivar. Accusing the BJP of having a selective historical perspective, he claimed that their awareness of history began in 2014.

Despite Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray not receiving an invitation to the Ram Mandir inauguration, Raut emphasized that the temple belonged to all Hindus. He underscored Shiv Sena’s historical contribution to the Ram Janambhoomi movement and highlighted the presence of its leaders in Ayodhya.

The statements by Raut carry potential implications within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), the alliance of Congress, NCP, and Shiv Sena. These remarks reveal ideological differences, particularly on the eve of Congress’ foundation day rally on December 28.

Responding to Raut’s claims, BJP Mumbai president Ashish Shelar rejected them, emphasizing the active participation of Sangh Parivar “karyakartas” in the Ram Janambhoomi movement. The city’s BJP is gearing up for a “Deepotsav” in at least 10,000 homes in each BMC ward of Mumbai and organizing special trains for devotees heading to Ayodhya for the temple inauguration on January 22.