Thackeray Attacks BJP Over Ayodhya Funds as Political Row Escalates

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray mounted a fierce assault against the Bharatiya Janata Party and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday, alleging Hindu betrayal through financial misconduct regarding Ayodhya Ram Temple contributions while bringing back his 50 khokha corruption charges tied to the 2022 party factioning.

Thackeray targets BJP over Ayodhya donation case, revives ’50 khokha’ charge

Shiv Sena (UBT) chairperson Uddhav Thackeray launched a wide-ranging offensive against the BJP and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on June 27, 2026. The former chief minister asserted that the ruling alliance deceived Hindu believers following reported financial misappropriation of holy offerings intended for the Ayodhya Ram Temple.

Addressing a public rally within the Yavatmal-Washim electoral district—a territory previously held by breakaway MP Sanjay Deshmukh, who defected to the Shinde camp—Thackeray redefined true religious values. He declared that authentic Hindutva prioritizes humanity, explicitly dismissing the BJP’s alleged temple-looting methods while pledging to spearhead nationwide demonstrations to achieve a “BJP-mukt Ram.”

The expanding financial scandal intensified after a Special Investigation Team discovered major gaps in the shrine’s cash administration. Police authorities have detained eight cashiers and counting staff who were placed in judicial custody on June 26, 2026, following the recovery of Rs 79.85 lakh in pilfered donations.

Concurrently, Thackeray aggressively brought back his infamous 50 khokha (Rs 50 crore) bribery claims. He alleged that rebel legislators received Rs 50 crore individual payouts during the 2022 Shiv Sena split, openly questioning the current financial value required to buy defecting members of parliament.

Maharashtra TET 2026 postponed after suspected paper leak in Thane

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Shiv Sena (UBT) attacks BJP over silence on Ayodhya Ram Temple and NEET row

The Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction slammed the BJP and the Sakal Hindu Samaj for maintaining absolute silence regarding the Ayodhya corruption inquiry and the national NEET-UG test leak. The opposition criticized both entities for failing to stage rallies despite frequently mobilizing groups for other Hindutva-centric causes.

National demands for transparency grew as Union Minister V. Somanna stated divine retribution would meet the temple fraudsters, noting that the Uttar Pradesh administration initiated an SIT. Conversely, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath speak out, claiming Rs 500 crore was looted over five years.

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Marco Rubio: Donald Trump visit to India being planned for early next year

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History of the 50 Khokha Allegations

The phrase 50 khokha entered Maharashtra’s mainstream political vocabulary during the volatile summer of 2022. The term originated when Eknath Shinde led a rebellion of 40 MLAs against Uddhav Thackeray’s Maha Vikas Aghadi government, causing its collapse.

Opposition parties coined the slogan to claim that rebel lawmakers accepted Rs 50 crore each to shift allegiances. The phrase has since evolved into a standard rhetorical weapon used by the Shiv Sena (UBT) to challenge the legitimacy of the ruling Mahayuti coalition.

FAQs

What is the Ayodhya Ram Temple donation case?

The case involves an official investigation by a Special Investigation Team into the suspected embezzlement of monetary offerings given by devotees. Authorities have arrested eight cash counters and recovered nearly Rs 80 lakh in stolen temple funds.

What does the term 50 khokha mean in Maharashtra politics?

The term is a slang political slogan implying a payout of Rs 50 crore. It is used by opposition parties to allege that rebel lawmakers were financially induced to defect during the 2022 Maharashtra government crisis.

Why was the Maharashtra TET 2026 exam postponed?

The Teacher Eligibility Test was called off by the state examination council following a law enforcement raid in Thane. Police caught individuals possessing leaked documents that identical matches to the official test questions.

Which world leaders are planning diplomatic visits to India?

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that plans are underway for a formal state visit by US President Donald Trump to India, projected to take place in the early months of next year.