Uddhav Thackeray questions PM Modi over safety of Hindus in Bangladesh; BJP hits back   

Shiv Sena chief criticizes BJP's Hindutva agenda, questions PM Modi on safety of Hindus in Bangladesh and temple demolition.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday (December 13, 2024) said the Bharatiya Janata Party uses its Hindutva agenda only for “electoral purposes”. Addressing a press conference at his residence ‘Matoshree’, he questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh and the arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das in the neighbouring country.

“The Prime Minister of India must inform the Parliament about the steps taken by his government to safeguard Hindus in Bangladesh. Temples are vandalised, and the Hindus who are minorities, have been subjected to violence in the last few months while India keeps former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina safe here. What about the safety of Hindus in our neighbouring country? Why is the ISKCON priest not protected? Mr. Modi claims to have intervened in the Russia-Ukraine war, he should also step up to stop atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh,” Mr. Thackeray added.  

Mr. Thackeray also criticised a notice issued recently by the railways to demolish an 80-year-old temple outside the Dadar railway station, terming it an “encroachment”.

The notice, dated December 4 and addressed to the trustee and priest of the temple, reportedly said the temple was constructed without prior permission. It was affecting movement of vehicles and commuters, as well as ongoing infrastructure works at Dadar station, it said. The temple was built by the porters of the railway station who attach great importance to it.

While the railways had served a seven-days’ notice for removal of the temple, no action has been initiated.

“The Railways has issued a ‘fatwa’ to remove the 80-year-old Hanuman temple built by the porters of Dadar station. CIDCO [City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Ltd] is eyeing the temple land. What kind of Hindutva is this? During election campaign, PM Modi propagated slogans of ek hai to safe hai (united we remain safe) but under the BJP’s regime, even temples are not safe. Why is the Centre and the State government not acting on this?” Mr. Thackeray asked.