In a recent turn of events that has stirred the political landscape, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) leader Sanjay Raut has brought a new perspective into the ongoing narrative surrounding the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. With the Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha ceremony slated for the 22nd of January in Ayodhya, Raut’s remarks have added an unexpected dimension to the discourse.

Raut, a prominent figure in the Shiv Sena, made a statement that might seem unusual to many, especially considering the current political alignments and the history of the Ram Mandir issue. He credited Samajwadi Party's stalwart Mulayam Singh Yadav, the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, for his inadvertent role in the progression of the Ram Mandir movement. This was during a critical period in 1990 when the movement was gaining momentum.

During an in-depth interview on Satya Hindi’s YouTube channel on January 17th, Raut made claims that have sparked widespread discussion. He asserted that Mulayam Singh Yadav's decision to order the police to open fire on Kar Sevaks, the volunteers supporting the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, played a significant role in the eventual realization of the Ram Mandir.

“I believe, Mulayam Singh Yadav also contributed to Ram Mandir. If he hadn’t fired, the Ram Janmabhoom movement wouldn’t have taken a grip. Ram gave everybody the sense at that time and everybody acted accordingly so that the temple could be built today,” Raut remarked, about 11 minutes into the video. This statement highlights a controversial and tragic incident where numerous devotees of Lord Ram lost their lives.

Furthermore, Raut didn’t limit his acknowledgment to Yadav alone. He extended it to include other key political figures such as Rajiv Gandhi and Narasimha Rao, suggesting their contributions to the Ram Mandir movement as well. These statements from a prominent Shiv Sena leader reflect a complex and multi-layered political history surrounding the Ram Mandir issue, one that intertwines with the actions and decisions of various political leaders over the years.

In the continuation of his exclusive interview with Satya Hindi, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut brought forth allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing them of politicizing the sacred Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Raut's remarks reflect a significant shift in the narrative surrounding one of India's most emotive and complex religious and political issues.

Raut expressed his concern that the BJP seemed to be transforming the Ram Temple, a symbol of faith and devotion for many, into a mere political tool. “When the Ram Janmabhoomi movement started, there was no political intention in the minds of people. Everybody just wanted the temple to be constructed. People sacrificed their lives for the temple. Some of our members also participated in Kar Seva. But today the picture is only in favor of BJP. It is as if the Ram temple or Ayodhya is BJP’s property,” he stated. This statement underscores a growing sentiment that the BJP has monopolized the Ram Temple issue, overshadowing the sacrifices and contributions of others.

Raut did not stop there. He went on to critique the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly in relation to the Ram Temple. He labeled the focus on the temple as the Modi government's primary agenda, overshadowing other critical national issues. “Modi government will not talk about Kashmiri Pandits, it will not talk about corruption, it will not talk about employment generation, etc. Ram Mandir is the only agenda that PM Modi has been using to win elections. This is the biggest failure of PM Modi’s leadership that he has to take the support of Ram Mandir to win elections,” Raut added. This statement questions the broader leadership strategy of the Prime Minister, suggesting an over-reliance on religious symbolism rather than addressing other pressing national concerns.

Further delving into the religious aspects of the issue, Raut commented on the evolving dynamics of religious leadership in the context of Sanatan Dharma. He observed a shift in the followers' perception of traditional religious authorities. “Now people believe in PM Modi if they are willing to follow Sanatan Dharma. They don’t pay attention to what the Shakaracharyas are saying,” he remarked. 

On January 15th, Sringeri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Mahaswamiji addressed the public regarding some misleading claims circulating about the stance of Shankaracharyas towards the Ram Mandir. He emphasized that certain individuals were propagating false narratives claiming that Shankaracharyas were against the construction of the Ram Mandir. The Shankaracharya urged followers of Sanatan Dharma to disregard these false claims and come together in unity. “This is the moment for which Hindus have struggled for the last 500 years. Everybody is happy and satisfied as the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha is taking place in Ayodhya on 22nd January. We all have to unitedly participate in the event and seek blessings of Lord Ram,” he said. This statement not only refutes the misleading propaganda but also calls for a collective celebration and participation in the upcoming Pran Pratishtha ceremony.

Further illuminating this issue, on January 12th, prominent spiritual leaders from the Sanatan Hindu Dharma, including Jagadguru Shankaracharya of Dwarka Sharada Peetham and Sringeri Math, made a public announcement. They addressed the devotees of Lord Ram concerning the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Lord Ram's idol in Ayodhya, scheduled for January 22nd. These top spiritual leaders strongly countered the misinformation spread on social media by various groups, including some political entities. The misinformation campaign falsely claimed that the Shankaracharyas, including those from Dwarka and Sringeri Math, opposed the Pran Pratishtha ceremony and would not be attending the event.

While there has been some confusion regarding the participation of Shankaracharyas in the Ram Mandir inauguration, it's important to note the specific positions of different Shankaracharyas. The Shankaracharyas of Jyotirmath and Puri have openly stated that they will not be attending the event. However, contrary to some claims, the Shankaracharyas of Dwarka and Sringeri have not expressed opposition to the ceremony or suggested that the Ram Mandir is incomplete. Addressing the misrepresentation of their stance, both Dwarka and Sringeri Maths have issued statements debunking these false claims. They have urged devotees to celebrate the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, reinforcing their spiritual connection to the event and dispelling any misunderstandings.

In a different turn of events, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sanjay Raut has taken a critical stance towards the Pran Pratishtha ceremony. “He called the ceremony a political event and said that the only thing left for the BJP was to announce Lord Ram as their election candidate.” This statement from Raut portrays the ceremony in a political light, suggesting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is using the religious event for electoral gains, a perspective that adds to the political controversy surrounding the Ram Mandir.

Additionally, another Shiv Sena (UBT) member, Sushma Andhare, has faced legal action due to her remarks about Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. Andhare's comments were perceived as offensive and disrespectful towards these revered figures in Hindu mythology. “I don’t want a husband like Lord Rama. Who wants a husband like Lord Rama who showed mistrust of his wife and sent her to exile while she was 7 months pregnant? If people raised questions about Goddess Sita’s character for being in Ravana’s captivity for years, why did nobody question Lord Rama’s character? He was also alone in the jungle while she was held hostage, right?” Andhare’s remarks have sparked significant controversy, leading to her being booked by Maharashtra Police.