Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray made headlines by attributing the successful construction of the Ayodhya Ram temple to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that without his leadership, the temple would have remained a pending issue despite the Supreme Court’s order.
Speaking to reporters, Thackeray emphasized the importance of PM Modi’s role in resolving the longstanding Ayodhya dispute, stating that the temple’s construction wouldn’t have progressed without his strong leadership.
Thackeray, who has pledged unconditional support to PM Modi for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, outlined MNS’s strategy to prepare a list of leaders for the ‘Mahayuti’ alliance’s poll coordination efforts. While he didn’t directly address whether he would hold rallies for the Mahayuti, Maharashtra’s ruling alliance comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, Thackeray urged MNS members to campaign for Mahayuti-backed candidates.
The upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, a state with 48 parliamentary seats, will be held in five phases from April 19 to May 20.
“Had Narendra Modi not been there, Ram temple would not have been built, even after the Supreme Court’s order. It would have remained as a pending issue,” Thackeray asserted, referring to the historic decision by the Supreme Court in November 2019 that paved the way for the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The temple’s consecration ceremony took place on January 22 this year.
Thackeray also addressed the ongoing political dynamics, praising PM Modi’s leadership while highlighting certain demands for Maharashtra, including granting classical language status to Marathi and restoring forts in the state.
Responding to criticism from the Shiv Sena, led by his estranged cousin Uddhav Thackeray, Thackeray dismissed their concerns and defended his support for PM Modi, stating that the Shiv Sena has “jaundiced eyes.”
As the political landscape in Maharashtra heats up ahead of the elections, Thackeray’s statements underscore the complex alliances and dynamics shaping the electoral scene, with the Ayodhya temple issue and leadership qualities taking center stage in the discourse.
Sources By Agencies