Nana Patole accuses RSS-BJP of 'playing with Ram Temple devotees' sentiments'

Congress leader Nana Patole on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the BJP and the RSS over allegations of embezzlement of donations linked to the Ram Mandir, demanding action against those responsible.Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Patole alleged that the alleged misuse of temple donations was an attempt to exploit the religious sentiments of devotees."RSS is also responsible, from Mohan Bhagwat to Narendra Modi and the entire BJP are involved. It is clear. Looting donation money and playing with sentiments is the intent of BJP-RSS. Action should be taken against all of them. They should apologise to the public and Sanatana Dharma," Patole said.Questions SIT probeThe Congress leader also criticised the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the matter, alleging that it would be used to shield those allegedly responsible."SIT is their system to hide everything. They will make someone a scapegoat, but the main people will remain out of it. Action should be taken against RSS and BJP, which play with Sanatana sentiments," he said.Links allegations to other templesPatole further claimed that similar instances of alleged misappropriation had taken place at other prominent temples across the country.Referring to the alleged irregularities involving donations at the Badrinath Temple and Kedarnath Temple, he said such incidents had also occurred at Shree Siddhivinayak Temple and Vitthal Rukmini Temple."This happened at Badrinath and in Maharashtra's Siddhivinayak as well as Pandharpur. They have looted donation money at these places. Lord Ram will not spare them; they will be shown their place," Patole alleged.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.