23 January,2024 02:28 PM IST | Nashik | mid-day online correspondent
Sanjay Raut. File Pic
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Tuesday said his party's connection with Lord Ram was the oldest and deeply emotional, and claimed if his party was not there, the Ayodhya Ram temple consecration would not have been possible, reported news agency PTI.
The Rajya Sabha member was speaking at a party conclave in Nashik.
"We have a very old connection with Lord Ram. Shiv Sena's connection with Lord Ram is deeply emotional. It is not of any person or any party. If there is anyone who has the oldest connection with Lord Ram, then it is the Shiv Sena," he said, reported PTI.
"If Shiv Sena didn't exist, then Ayodhya Ram temple consecration would not have been there. Shiv Sena's tigers showed courage and this is why the prime minister could do pran pratishtha of Lord Ram," he claimed, reported PTI.
ALSO READ
Ensure women's safety first: Sanjay Raut ahead of PM Modi's visit to Maharashtra
Sanjay Raut criticises Centre's delay in poll schedule for Maharashtra
Uddhav Thackeray meets Sonia Gandhi in Delhi
Discussions are going on, Dy speaker post should go to opposition: Sanjay Raut
Muralidhar Mohol rubbishes Sanjay Raut's claims on BJP not caring about J&K
The new Ram Lalla idol was consecrated at the Ayodhya temple, in an event led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra unit of the BJP have been engaged in a bitter war of words over the latter's contribution to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
The Maharashtra BJP has attacked Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, his son Aaditya and Raut over their contribution in the movement. On the other hand, the Sena (UBT) takes the credit for bringing down the Babri mosque.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday prayed at the renowned Kalaram Temple in Nashik.
He was accompanied by his wife Rashmi Thackeray, sons Aaditya, who is an MLA and former state minister, and Tejas. Party Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut was also present.
The former chief minister, who took part in various rituals, including 'pradakshina' (clockwise circumambulation of sacred structures/entities), was honoured by the temple trustees.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had prayed at the Kalaram Temple when he was here on January 12 to inaugurate the National Youth Festival.
Thackeray also performed 'Goda pujan' and worshipped Godavari river at Ramkund on Goda ghat.
Ganga Godavari Panchkoti Purohit Sangh president Satish Shukla and other members of the outfit performed the rituals.
(With inputs from PTI)
