Probe BJP Minister Jaykumar Rawal for funding godman’s temple: Uddhav Sena

Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena leader Sushma Andhare demanded here in Mumbai, at a press conference on Tuesday, that BJP’s Minister for Protocol Jaykumar Rawal must be investigated for allegedly providing funds to the godman “Captain” Ashok Kharat-run Ishanyeshwar temple.

“Despite not being named in the official list of tourist destinations, funds worth Rs 1.6 crore was approved for the temple under the Regional Tourism Development Scheme but no documents are available with the administration regarding who proposed this fund and who recommended it ,” Sushma Andhare said.

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“Along with this, the construction of a grand assembly hall and electrification work in the temple were also done using the fund. Based on what criteria did the government give tourist status to Kharat’s Ishanyeshwar temple? The temple was built recently and BJP’s Minister of Protocol Jaykumar Rawal had given it tourist status. Therefore, Minister Jaykumar Rawal be investigated in this case,” Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena leader Sushma Andhare demanded.

Andhare also criticised leaders of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena for their alleged links to godman “Captain” Ashok Kharat and his Shivnika Sansthan Trust which runs the temple.

Another Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena leader Anil Gote demanded that Minister Jaykumar Rawal be made a co-accused in the godman case and made to resign.

“The Home Department was with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis from 2014 to 2024. During his tenure, funds of about Rs 1.5 crore were given to Kharat’s private organisation under the auspices of Jaykumar Rawal through the Tourism Department. An investigation into this case must be headed by a Supreme Court judge,” Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena leader Anil Gote demanded.

“There are only two possible explanations why funds were provided. It could be administrative negligence or deliberate support. People were cheated in the name of religious activities organised by godman Kharat. Superstition is increasing only because of political patronage and protection. Strict action must be taken not only against individuals concerned but also against all those involved in this case,” Gote said.