Ram Nagar Temple Confirmed as UBT Ram Raksha Venue in Nagpur Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut confirmed on Tuesday that the Ram Nagar temple in Nagpur will host the party’s Ram Raksha Andolan on July 18, describing the event as a “religious” gathering rather than a political one. During his visit to the Shri Ram Mandir, Raut met with temple trustees and secured their approval for UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray to recite Ram Raksha at the site. The temple’s trust emphasized that all devotees are welcome, provided the event remains apolitical. Raut expressed admiration for the temple, calling it “the most energetic Ram temple” and stating that the search for a suitable venue in Nagpur concluded here. “As soon as I came here, I fell in love with this temple,” he said, adding that the event would be held under Thackeray’s leadership. Temple trustee Ravi Waghmare assured cooperation, noting that the trust expects a crowd of 10,000 from Vidarbha. However, the temple’s capacity is limited to 200 inside and 250 along the road, creating a significant gap between expected attendance and available space. The temple’s trust president, Waghmare, revealed that UBT will submit detailed event plans to the temple on Wednesday. He reiterated that the trust does not object to Thackeray’s visit but insists on maintaining the event’s apolitical nature. “We never refuse any devotee seeking divine blessings,” he said, adding that the trust’s only condition is the absence of protests or political statements. Complicating matters, a nearby ground capable of accommodating 5,000 people has been booked by a BJP leader for an event scheduled next week. While preparations for the BJP event have begun, UBT faces uncertainty about whether the BJP leader will grant access.#uddhav_thackeray #shiv_sena_ubit #ravi_waghmare #ram_nagar_temple #ram_raksha_andolan
Uddhav Ram Raksha stir on Fadnavis turf: Temple Trust says welcome, but keep political sandals out Days before Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray planned to hold his Ram Raksha Andolan in Nagpur, the event faced immediate controversy on the turf of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The scheduled protest, set for July 18, encountered its first obstacle when the Shri Ram Mandir in Ramnagar, a site closely associated with Fadnavis as a life member of its management body, refused to permit the political gathering on its premises. The temple trust emphasized that its premises would only host religious activities, rejecting any attempt to frame the event as a political protest. Temple Trust president Ravi Waghmare addressed reporters, stating that while the Uddhav Thackeray Bharti (UBT) had not formally sought permission for the event, the trust would not allow political agitation within its boundaries. “Chant Ram Raksha, chant Hanuman Chalisa—every devotee can do this,” Waghmare said. “But this is not a political arena. That’s why we have never allowed any party to hold a political agitation here.” He added, “CM Fadnavis is our life member. But we won’t allow even BJP to hold an agitation here. You should take off your political sandals and come inside the temple.” The UBT’s response was combative. Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, speaking in Mumbai, questioned how reciting Ram Raksha could be considered political. “We have not yet sought permission,” he said, adding, “There’s no need for anyone’s nod for Ram Raksha ‘pathan’. CM Fadnavis should support this.” The UBT spokesperson, when pressed further, challenged the temple trust’s authority, stating, “Who has stopped us, and since when? Which temple are you even talking about? I will go to Nagpur on Tuesday.#devendra_fadnavis #sanjay_raut #uddhav_thackeray_bharti #shri_ram_mandir #ravi_waghmare
