'Demonetization was instant,why not Ram Mandir?': Uddhav Thackeray slams BJP
What's the story
Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray once again came down heavily on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and asked why demonetization was instant but not Ram Mandir. He said the BJP had assured building the temple in Ayodhya before elections, but hadn't specified which one. Was it 2019 or 2050, he asked. Despite being an ally, Thackarey has taken potshots at BJP many times.
Thackeray's demands
'Article 370, Uniform Civil Code now on the backburner'
Thackeray suggested the BJP could take the decision on Ram Mandir instantly, just like note ban, because they had a majority. Further, he accused BJP of dragging its feet on important issues like Article 370 and Uniform Civil Code. "There appears to be no discussion on such important issues now. They appear to have been relegated to the backburner," the Sena chief remarked.
Do you know?
Looking back: What have BJP leaders said about Ram Mandir?
BJP has portrayed the Ram Mandir issue as a pet project. A few weeks ago, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath told seers to be patient and said the temple will be built before 2019. Notably, the Ram Janmabhoomi matter is sub-judice in the Supreme Court.
Details
"Government trying to cover up for mismanagement in Mumbai University"
Thackeray also subtly attacked the BJP over distributing Bhagavad Gita to college students in Mumbai. He said this had been done to cover up for the mismanagement prevailing in Mumbai University. "Instead of trying to resolve urgent issues, the State Education Department wants to distribute copies of the Bhagavad Gita," Thackeray said, and added students' education needed to be relevant to modern times.
Questions evaded
While Thackeray questioned BJP, diplomatic answers came on Sena-controlled BMC
Notably, Shiv Sena controls the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). When Thackeray was asked about the dilapidated condition of roads in monsoons, he replied, "Civic infrastructure and maintenance and repair of roads is everybody's responsibility." While Thackeray chose to pass the buck, deaths due to potholes amid heavy rains in Mumbai are increasing. One report claims potholes are more dangerous than terrorists.