Shiv Sena Spokesperson Sanjay Raut Claims Party’s Role in Babri Masjid Demolition, Sparks Coalition Discomfort
Mumbai, 28th December 2023: In a startling revelation, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sanjay Raut asserted on Wednesday that it was members of his party, and not the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or others in the Sangh Parivar, who were responsible for demolishing the Babri Masjid. Raut cited the acknowledgement of the then BJP vice president, Sundersinh Bhandari, as evidence of Shiv Sena’s involvement in the controversial incident.
Raut further dismissed the historical contributions of the Sangh Parivar, alleging they had no role in significant movements, including the freedom struggle and the Samyukta Maharashtra movement. He emphasized that the upcoming inauguration of the Ram Mandir on January 22 belonged to all Hindus, not just the BJP, despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the ceremony.
The Shiv Sena spokesperson downplayed the absence of an invitation for his party chief, Uddhav Thackeray, at the Ram Mandir inauguration, asserting that people recognized the Shiv Sena’s integral role in the Ram Janambhoomi movement.
These statements by Raut are expected to cause discomfort within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, particularly for the Congress and the NCP (Sharad Pawar), as they reveal ideological differences within the alliance. The timing coincides with the Congress’s planned massive 138th Foundation Day rally in Nagpur on December 28.
Meanwhile, the BJP in the city is gearing up for a “Deepotsav” in thousands of homes across each BMC ward of Mumbai, with special trains arranged for devotees travelling to Ayodhya for the temple inauguration on January 22. Mumbai City BJP president Ashish Shelar refuted the allegations made by the Shiv Sena, highlighting the active participation of Sangh Parivar members in the Ram Janambhoomi movement, arrests of activists, and the dismissal of the Kalyan Singh government in Uttar Pradesh by the Centre.
