Maharashtra Governor writes to CM Uddhav Thackeray asking to re-open places of worship; CM responds

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray and Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari shared an acrimonious exchange over the reopening of places of worship in the state. The Governor, in a letter, had questioned the CM whether he had “turned secular”. The CM soon responded that he did not need a Hindutva certificate from anyone.

On Monday, the Governor wrote to Uddhav Thackeray “requesting him to announce forthwith” the reopening of places of worship with Covid precautions.

Mr Koshyari wrote, “You have been a strong votary of Hindutva. You had publicly espoused your devotion for Lord Rama by visiting Ayodhya after taking charge as Chief Minister. You had visited the Vitthal Rukmini Mandir in Pandharpur and performed the puja on Ashadhi Ekadashi. I wonder if you are receiving any divine premonition to keep postponing the reopening of places of worship time and again or have you turned ‘secular’ yourselves, a term you hated?”

Maharashtra Governor wrote to CM Uddhav Thackeray, seeking re-opening of places of worship with COVID precautions

“I wonder if you’re receiving any divine premonition to keep postponing re-opening or you’ve suddenly turned ‘secular’ yourselves, the term you hated?” letter states pic.twitter.com/BedTgTSP2d

— ANI (@ANI) October 13, 2020

The CM soon responded that his Hindutva did not require a certificate from the governor or anyone. He further added that he would take a decision after careful consideration.

As imposing lockdown all of a sudden was not right, revoking it completely at once will also be not a good thing. And yes, I am someone who follows Hindutva, my Hindutva doesn’t need verification from you: Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray (in file photo) replies to Governor https://t.co/Tw26tZ2r6B pic.twitter.com/VgCSXnhTlh

— ANI (@ANI) October 13, 2020

Bhartiya Janata Party workers have been protesting in front of Siddhivinayak temple since morning. They are demanding that the state government should reopen the places of worship. Protests are also being held near the Sai Baba temple in Shirdi.

#WATCH Maharashtra: BJP leader Prasad Lad detained along with other party workers by police during a protest outside Siddhivinayak temple in Mumbai.

BJP is organising demonstrations across the state today, demanding re-opening of all temples for devotees. pic.twitter.com/Q0U2hZm6Ie

— ANI (@ANI) October 13, 2020

Maharashtra continues to be the worst affected state with over 15,35,315 cases.

Also Read: COVID-19: BMC seals area around CM Uddhav Thackeray’s residence as tea seller tests positive