Taking a fresh dig at the BJP for reviving the issue of Ram Mandir ahead of the 2019 lok Sabha polls, Shiv Sena president Udhav Thackeray said when it could decide on resorting to demonetisation so far quickly, what was holding the Narendra Modi from building the Ram temple.
Talking to media persons in Pune after a meeting with Sena’s western Maharashtra leaders, the Sena president said: “The ruling BJP is once again talking about the Ram temple and other issues like Ram Mandir, Uniform Civil Code and abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution. We have forgotten all these issues. But the BJP has not specified yet as to when the BJP fulfill its promises — before the 2019 polls or 2050 elections”. “I would like to know as to why the BJP has not fulfilled these promises. When it could go in for demonetisation so quickly, what is holding the BJP government fulfill its promise of building Ram Mandir when it has a majority in Parliament...... When it can take a decision on demonetisation so quickly, why can’t the Government take a decision on building Ram MandirIJ It has majority in lok Sabha. It can also take other decisions since it has a majority in the House,” Uddhav said
“The BJP is saying that it would start the work on Ram Mandir. All I can say is that the BJP is trying to sell dreams to people, As far as I am concerned, my priority is to fulfil oh aspirations of the people and also to build my party,” Uddhav said.
Alluding to reports of pothole-ridden roads in Mumbai and Kalyan, Uddhav said It “It is not the responsibility of just the BMC. But it is the responsibility of all, including the State Government” .
When his attention was drawn towards the continued feuds between the ruling BJP and its alliance partner Shiv Sena and asked if the two parties would come together to fight the elections, Uddhav said: “We have been fighting with the BJP for the past five years on issues of public importance. I am not sure whether the two parties can come together. Because many people take such decisions. The people are upset because of the BJP’s failure to fulfill its promises”.
Reiterating his party’s opposition to the Nanar refinery project, Uddhav said: “The horticulture in the area will be destroyed completely. The project being dangerous, the Shiv Sena will continue its opposition to State Government’s rules. Though the Nanar oil refinery issue is as good as dead, but Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is keeping it alive”. On the controversy over the distribution of Bhagwat Gita to students in Mumbai’s 100 select colleges, Uddhav said: “This is being done to hide the mess prevailing in the University of Mumbai”.
“The students need to be given education relevant to modern times. But, The university of Mumbai is ridden with mismanagement. There have been paper leaks. Examination results are being delayed and other major problems. Instead of solving all these issues, the education department wants to distribute Bhagwat Gita to students,” Uddhav said.