Uddhav launches 'Ram Raksha Andolan' campaign in Mumbai over temple theft allegations

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray unveiled a new political campaign called 'Ram Raksha Andolan' in Mumbai on Thursday, targeting what he described as a growing problem of theft and desecration at Hindu temples across the metropolitan region.

Thackeray framed the campaign as a grassroots movement to protect religious sites and their valuables from criminals. The initiative, he said, would unite residents and demand stronger action from law enforcement authorities to safeguard temples in Mumbai and surrounding areas. Thackeray emphasised that the movement was not merely political but a civic responsibility to preserve the city's religious heritage and security.

The Shiv Sena leader's announcement comes amid recurring reports of jewellery and precious items going missing from temples in various Mumbai localities. According to Thackeray, these thefts represent a failure of the state government and local administration to adequately protect places of worship. He called for increased police patrols, better surveillance systems at temples, and stricter penalties for those targeting religious institutions. Thackeray also urged temple management committees to upgrade security measures and maintain detailed inventories of valuables.

The 'Ram Raksha Andolan' campaign is expected to involve public meetings, awareness drives, and coordination with temple authorities across Mumbai. The Shiv Sena plans to document instances of temple theft and present findings to the Mumbai Police and state government. Thackeray positioned the movement as a demonstration of Shiv Sena's commitment to protecting Hindu religious interests in the state.

Mumbai Police have not yet formally responded to the campaign announcement. Temple theft remains a persistent issue in the city, with incidents reported sporadically from localities including central Mumbai, eastern suburbs, and satellite towns. The campaign is likely to intensify political discourse around law and order and religious security ahead of upcoming civic and state elections.