Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday for its leaders' pledge to organize trips to Ayodhya once the Ram temple is complete, humorously remarking that the ruling party seems to have established a "tours and travels department."

Thackeray's comments were triggered by Union Home Minister Amit Shah's assurance in Madhya Pradesh that the BJP government would arrange a visit to Ayodhya for the state's residents if the party stays in power. Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar also announced plans for a special train to Ayodhya for Mumbaikars after January 24 next year to visit the newly-constructed Ram temple.