Uddhav Thackeray plans Nashik visit in absence of Ayodhya Ram Mandir consecration invite

Uddhav Thackeray/ File Photo

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray who has yet to receive an invitation to the Ayodhya Ram Mandir consecration on January 22, has announced his intention to attend the Kalaram temple in Nashik. On the same day, he plans to perform a'maha aarti' along the Godavari river bank.

Speaking to journalists after honouring the birth anniversary of his late mother, Meena Thackeray, in Mumbai, the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said he plans to visit Ayodhya Ram Mandir on his own accord at an undefined period, a report in PTI stated.

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According to the report, Uddhav Thackeray said he plans to visit Nashik on January 22. He said he would visit the Kalaram temple in Nashik at 6.30 pm, an important location associated with Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and social reformer Sane Guruji's demonstrations. Following that, a'maha aarti' on the Godavari river bank is planned for 7.30 pm, the report added.

"The consecration of Ayodhya Ram Mandir is a matter of pride and self-respect. On that day (January 22), we will visit the Kalaram temple at 6.30 pm where Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and (social reformer) Sane Guruji had to stage protests. At 7.30 pm, we will hold a maha aarti on the banks of the Godavari river," Thackeray was quoted as saying.

The Kalaram temple, located in Nashik's Panchavati district, honours Lord Ram with an idol carved from black stone, which is thought to represent Lord Ram's exile with Sita and Lakshman, the report added.

Historically, in 1930, Dr Ambedkar organised a demonstration at this temple demanding Dalit admission, establishing it as a prominent venue of social movement.

Despite not being invited to the Ayodhya Ram Mandir consecration, Thackeray underlined that Ram Lalla belongs to everyone and outlined Shiv Sena's historical contributions to the Ram temple cause. He also announced preparations for a gathering in Nashik on January 23 to commemorate the birth anniversary of his late father, Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray.

"I have not received any invitation yet and I don't need one to visit Ayodhya as Ram Lalla belongs to everyone. Whenever I feel like it, I will go. Shiv Sena had contributed a lot to the Ram temple movement."