Thackeray refutes claims made by PM Modi on the Ram temple and demands a public apology; urges Election Commission to act
MUMBAI: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of spreading falsehoods and attempting to create communal divisions ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In a fiery press conference on Sunday, Thackeray expressed outrage over Modi’s recent speech in Telangana in which the Prime Minister accused the Shiv Sena of opposing the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
Thackeray denied the allegations outright and challenged the Prime Minister to present proof of such opposition by his party. “How can the Prime Minister of the country lie so blatantly? We have never opposed the Ram temple. In fact, Shiv Sainiks have laid down their lives for the cause. Balasaheb Thackeray, my father, was among the first to support the movement for Ram Mandir. We should be receiving credit, not blame,” Thackeray said.
He further demanded that the Election Commission take immediate cognizance of Modi’s statements and initiate an investigation. “The EC must act swiftly. These are deliberate lies meant to mislead voters and stir emotions. The Prime Minister cannot misuse his platform during elections to peddle misinformation,” he added.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief also criticized Modi’s broader campaign tactics, accusing the BJP of diverting attention from real issues such as unemployment, inflation, and farmer distress. “Why isn’t the Prime Minister speaking about the economy, about the youth who are unemployed, or about the failing healthcare system? Instead, he chooses to communalize elections,” Thackeray remarked.
Thackeray called on voters to stay vigilant and not fall for divisive rhetoric. “Elections should be fought on development, not on hatred. The people of India are watching, and they will respond to this betrayal at the ballot box,” he concluded.
The political tension between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and BJP continues to escalate as campaigning intensifies in Maharashtra and across India ahead of the upcoming general elections.
