The Shiv Sena (UBT) has called for the removal of Union Minister Narayan Rane from the Narendra Modi cabinet, citing his comments questioning the “contribution” of Shankaracharyas to Hinduism. The party, led by Uddhav Thackeray, has also demanded a public apology from the BJP ahead of the Ram temple consecration in Ayodhya in response to Rane’s statements.
On Sunday, the Shiv Sena (UBT) ally Congress staged a protest at the party office in Mumbai against Rane. The controversy stems from Rane’s remarks in Palghar on Saturday, where he suggested that Shankaracharyas should bless the Ram Temple instead of criticizing it. Rane accused them of viewing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP through a “political prism.”
During a rally on Saturday night, Uddhav Thackeray insisted that the BJP issue a public apology for what he deemed “derogatory” remarks made by Rane against the Shankaracharyas. Thackeray went further, demanding the expulsion of Rane from the BJP.
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Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, speaking to reporters on Sunday, accused Rane of insulting Hinduism by questioning the contributions of the Shankaracharyas. Raut demanded an apology from the BJP before the scheduled idol consecration ceremony on January 22, calling for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to dismiss Rane from the Union cabinet.
Supriya Sule, working president of the Nationalist Congress Party led by Sharad Pawar, remarked that it was the BJP’s responsibility to address Rane’s comments.
VHP working president Alok Kumar stated on Friday that two out of the four Shankaracharyas had “openly welcomed” the upcoming consecration ceremony. However, he clarified that none of them would attend the event in Ayodhya, opting to visit the Ram temple later “as per their convenience.”
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Opposition parties have targeted the BJP over reports that Shankaracharyas from various Peeths have decided not to attend the consecration ceremony. Jyotirpeeth Sankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati reportedly expressed reservations, stating that performing the consecration ceremony at this stage would not be appropriate as the construction is yet to be completed.
