Ananya Lohia , Mumbai- Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday launched a sharp attack on the BJP over the alleged Ram Temple donation embezzlement case, accusing the ruling party of using the controversy for political gains and to engineer defections.

Addressing a press conference, Thackeray alleged that funds linked to the alleged Ram Temple donation scam were being used to "break political parties" and questioned whether the BJP was carrying out an "Operation Ram Mandir." His remarks came days after six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs joined Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena faction.

Thackeray also said he was willing to visit the Ram Temple in Ayodhya with Amit Shah and announced a statewide "Ram Raksha" campaign. As part of the initiative, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders will organise prayers and recitations at Hanuman temples, urging devotees to join the movement against the alleged misuse of Ram Temple donations.

The remarks have further intensified the political battle surrounding the Ram Temple donation controversy, with the issue now emerging as a fresh flashpoint between the BJP and the opposition ahead of key political developments.