Supriya Sule questions lack of probe into temple corruption allegations Nashik, Jul 11 (PTI) NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule has raised concerns about the delayed investigation into alleged corruption at religious sites such as Ayodhya, Ujjain, and the Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai, calling the situation "the most disgraceful." Speaking at a press conference in Nashik, Sule emphasized that corruption linked to temples dedicated to Lord Ram and other major religious centers is unacceptable. She questioned why allegations of irregularities at these sites were not thoroughly examined, stating that if the claims are true, they represent "the dirtiest thing." The controversy surrounding the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya intensified on June 7 when reports surfaced about embezzlement of donations. An investigation led by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the Uttar Pradesh government resulted in the arrest of eight individuals involved in counting cash and valuables collected at the temple. Sule highlighted this incident as part of a broader pattern of alleged corruption in religious institutions, urging authorities to address the issue with urgency. Sule also criticized the BJP for what she described as selective targeting of opposition leaders on corruption charges. She argued that if these leaders were indeed corrupt, they should have faced legal action, but if not, the party should apologize for false allegations. This critique came amid growing scrutiny of the BJP's handling of corruption cases, with Sule asserting that the party has lost its moral authority to speak on the matter. In addition to corruption, Sule addressed issues of superstition and social reform. She stated that Maharashtra's cultural ethos is rooted in progressive values and that superstition has no place in the state's development.#nashik #supriya_sule #narendra_dabholkar
Sapkal questions Maha delay in Kharat probe Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal criticized the state government's handling of the Ashok Kharat case, accusing officials of delaying action despite early warnings. Speaking to media in Buldhana, Sapkal claimed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had knowledge of the case as early as Diwali last year when allegations against the self-styled godman began emerging. He questioned the government's inaction, noting that evidence collection had already started in October-November. "What was the CM doing for six months?" Sapkal asked, urging the BJP-led government to intensify the investigation. Sapkal described the case as sparking a "disturbing discourse" in Maharashtra and called for stricter measures, including additional support for the Special Investigation Team (SIT), the formation of a task force, and strict action against the accused. He also alleged that the government was prolonging the case, citing the resignation of former State Women's Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar as an example. "Cases must be registered against all those involved," he said, emphasizing the need for accountability. Linking the incident to broader societal issues, Sapkal criticized superstition as a root cause. "Society must learn from this and adopt a scientific temper," he stated, referencing late rationalist Narendra Dabholkar. He urged continued efforts to combat superstition, noting that Dabholkar's work was vital to preventing such distortions. Sapkal also raised concerns about law and order, citing an incident in Satara during a ZP election where Shiv Sena ministers Shambhuraje Desai and Makarand Patil reportedly claimed they were "manhandled by police.#devendra_fadnavis #harshwardhan_sapkal #ashok_kharat #rupali_chakankar #narendra_dabholkar
