Calling for a ‘BJP-mukt’ Ram, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday (June 27, 2026) hit out at the BJP, alleging that the saffron party had betrayed the Hindus and Hindutva. He was speaking on the alleged charges of the swindling of donations in Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

“There was an emotionally charged environment [over the Ram Mandir issue]. Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray had himself toured the State, asking for people’s contribution. What happened to the money given by the Shiv Sena? Now, money, gold, silver is being stolen from Ram Mandir. They [the BJP] have betrayed Hindus, Hindutva,” he said in a rally at Yavatmal on the first day of his three-day tour.

Appeal to voters

“Real Hindutva teaches humanity. We reject your [BJP’s] Hindutva of looting temples. We want ‘BJP-mukt Ram’ and Shiv Sena (UBT) will lead such protests,” he said. Appealing to the people of Maharashtra, he said that the voters need to question not just the defected MPs, but also the BJP which wanted to finish off the Opposition. “This is the Maharashtra of Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar. Will it stand against them and ask them questions?” he asked.

Terming the BJP as ‘Pakistan Janata Party’, he said the party had betrayed not just its allies, but also lord Ram. Slamming the national party over the government’s stand that a passport is not a proof of citizenship, he asked if BJP’s membership was the only proof of citizenship. “This is not the Bhartiya Janata Party. If it behaves in this manner, we are concerned if it is the Pakistan Janata Party,” he said.

Earlier in the day, he took a jibe at reporters when asked about the discussion with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Mr. Fadnavis and Uddhav Thackeray travelled to Nagpur on the same flight on June 26, leading to political speculations. “We had a high-level discussion. The details of the meeting will be out soon,” he said, laughingly.