Not only BJP, Shiv Sena, Congress also contributed to Ram Mandir movement: Sanjay Raut | Mumbai News

NEW DEHI: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut responded to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent remarks on Saturday, emphasising that the Ram Mandir was a historic movement for the nation.
Raut pointed out that the effort wasn’t solely driven by BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi but involved contributions from the RSS, Shiv Sena, VHP and even Congress.
Raut criticised Bhagwat, asserting that he played a role in bringing the current leadership to power and should now take responsibility.
“Ram mandir was a movement in the history of this nation. I believe everyone contributed to that movement. Not only BJP and PM Modi contributed to it but RSS, BJP, Shiv Sena, VHP, Bajrang Dal and Congress also contributed to the movement. It is right that no one can become a leader just by constructing a temple. This nation is a temple, you should build it. Mohan Bhagwat, you are the one who brought such people to power. So now, you take the responsibility,” Raut said.
On Friday, Bhagwat stressed the need for national unity and discouraged the use of divisive issues to incite hostility.
He highlighted the importance of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya as a key representation of Hindu devotion.
Speaking at the Hindu Sewa Mahotsav inauguration in Pune on Thursday, Bhagwat remarked, “Coming to the question of devotion. There should be a Ram temple and it indeed happened. That is a site for the devotion of Hindus.”
He cautioned against fostering discord. “But raking up new issues every day for disdain and enmity should not be done. What is the solution here? We should show the world that we can live in harmony, so we should have a little experiment in our country,” Bhagwat said.
Highlighting India’s rich cultural diversity, Bhagwat noted, “We have ideologies of different sects and communities in our country.”
He further explained that Hinduness represents an eternal dharma, with Sanatan dharma’s Acharyas practicing “sewa dharma,” or the duty of humanity.
Addressing the gathering, Bhagwat described service as the core of Sanatan Dharma, transcending social and religious divides. He encouraged people to serve society selflessly, driven by the desire to give back rather than seek recognition.
(With inputs from agencies)