Ram Temple inauguration cannot be a political event, but a matter of pride for crores of devotees, says CM Eknath Shinde

Launching a blistering attack on former Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday said that the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22 could not be a political event as it was a matter of faith for crores of people, and warned that those making such statements would be given a fitting reply by the electorate. Speaking during a cleanliness drive in Mumbai, Mr. Shinde thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fulfilling the dreams of crores of Indians by getting the Ram Mandir built, while remarking that it had been a dream of late Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray to see the temple to Lord Rama be built in Ayodhya

Launching a blistering attack on former Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday said that the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22 could not be a political event as it was a matter of faith for crores of people, and warned that those making such statements would be given a fitting reply by the electorate.

Speaking during a cleanliness drive in Mumbai, Mr. Shinde thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fulfilling the dreams of crores of Indians by getting the Ram Mandir built, while remarking that it had been a dream of late Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray to see the temple to Lord Rama be built in Ayodhya.

Taking a thinly-veiled jibe at Mr. Thackeray without naming him, Mr. Shinde, who heads the rival Shiv Sena faction, said: “The consecration of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya is a matter of faith and pride for crores of Ram bhakts [devotees]. It cannot be a political event. If someone says otherwise, crores of devotees will give that person a fitting reply through elections…He [Mr. Thackeray] already sits at home. Now the electorate will ensure he permanently keeps sitting at home. So, he better think before making statements.”

The Chief Minister further said he had directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) commissioner to ensure Diwali-like celebrations across Mumbai city during the Ram Temple inauguration on January 22.

“Let all temples and buildings in Mumbai be illuminated with decorative lights. All of Maharashtra should celebrate on January 22 with Diwali-like enthusiasm,” Mr. Shinde said.

Lauding Mr. Modi and his leadership, Mr. Shinde said that whatever Mr. Modi said, he ensured to translate that into reality.

“Modiji turned the dream of building the Ram temple into reality. Whatever he says, he ensures that it happens. Be it railways or airports, he implements his promises. As a result, everyone accepts Mr. Modi’s guarantees,” Mr. Shinde said.