Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut attacked the BJP over the alleged financial irregularities linked to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, claiming that the holy city has been transformed into an "underworld" under the party's rule.
He also demanded an independent probe into the allegations, suggesting that the investigation be conducted under the supervision of Bombay High Court judge Justice Madhav Jamdar.
Addressing a press conference, Raut alleged that Ayodhya, revered as the birthplace of Lord Ram, is now under the control of criminals and land mafias.
"Those who claim to be the protectors of Hindutva have taken control of Ayodhya and turned it into an underworld. Ayodhya today is no less than an underworld. There is a rule of goons and looters there," Raut alleged.
Referring to the alleged theft of valuables from the Ram Temple's donation boxes, Raut questioned who was behind the alleged loot and demanded accountability.
"Who is the Dawood Ibrahim of Ayodhya's underworld?" he asked, alleging that even BJP leader and former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh had expressed fear over the prevailing situation.
Claiming that he was aware of those allegedly responsible, Raut said he was prepared to reveal who was operating the alleged "underworld" in Ayodhya.
Raut also announced that Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray would address a press conference later in the day on the issue.
Speaking on demands for an investigation, Raut said the matter was not related to any political party but concerned the sentiments of millions of devotees across the country.
While reacting to calls for a Supreme Court-monitored probe, he said he would instead prefer an inquiry under the supervision of Justice Madhav Jamdar.
"There are very few people left in the country's judiciary who genuinely want the truth to come out. The investigation should be conducted under the supervision of Justice Madhav Jamdar," he said.
Escalating his attack on the BJP, Raut alleged that those who projected themselves as protectors of Lord Ram had themselves looted the Ram Temple.
"They keep blaming outsiders or Muslims whenever something happens. But who has looted the Ram Temple? It is the BJP's own 'Mahmud Ghaznavis' who is running this underworld," he alleged.
Recalling the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, Raut said several people had sacrificed their lives, and many had gone to jail during the agitation.
"People lost their lives in the movement. Many went to jail. We were present there and witnessed those events. Today, the same Ayodhya is being looted," he alleged.
