Mumbai — Maharashtra Congress leader Nana Patole on Thursday alleged that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its political wing, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), were “playing with the sentiments of Ram‑Temple devotees” and warned that the parties might resort to “making someone a scapegoat” in the ongoing temple‑related controversy.
Patole, a former Lok Sabha MP and current state party office‑bearer, made the remarks during a press conference in Mumbai, where he was asked about recent statements by senior BJP leaders linking the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya to broader political narratives in Maharashtra. He said the BJP’s strategy of invoking the temple issue to mobilise voters was “a cynical ploy that manipulates genuine religious fervour for electoral gain.”
The leader added that such tactics could backfire, noting, “If the BJP and RSS cannot manage the expectations they have created, they will look for a scapegoat to deflect criticism.” Patole did not name any individual or specific policy but framed the comment as a warning to the party’s leadership.
The BJP has not responded to Patole’s accusations as of press time. Earlier this week, senior party figures in Maharashtra reiterated support for the Ayodhya temple project, portraying it as a unifying symbol for Hindus nationwide.
Analysis: Patole’s statements come at a time when the BJP is seeking to consolidate its base ahead of upcoming state elections. By linking the Ram‑Temple sentiment to a broader political strategy, Patole is attempting to portray the party’s religious rhetoric as a tool for vote‑bank politics. The accusation of creating a “scapegoat” suggests an expectation that the BJP may shift blame onto opposition parties or minority groups if public sentiment turns against its handling of the temple issue.
Given Patole’s position within the Congress and the party’s ongoing contest with the BJP for political dominance in Maharashtra, his remarks should be understood as part of the larger partisan debate over the use of religious symbols in electoral campaigns.
Sources
– “They’ll make someone scapegoat: Nana Patole accuses RSS‑BJP of playing with Ram Temple devotees’ sentiments.” Times of India, Top Stories, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/theyll-make-someone-scapegoat-nana-patole-accuses-rss-bjp-of-playing-with-ram-temple-devotees-sentiments/articleshow/132177754.cms
Story synopsis gathered from: Times of India – Top Stories — source
Corrections
If you believe this article contains an error, contact Herald Express with the source URL and supporting evidence.
