My Hindutva doesn't need verification from you, Uddhav Thackeray replies to Maharashtra Guv over issue of re-opening temples

Responding to Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari's letter over the issue of reopening of places of worship in the state, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday said his Hindutva does not need verification from Koshyari.

"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," the Chief Minister said.

Koshyari, through a letter written on Monday, had urged the Maharashtra CM to announce reopening of places of worship in the state.

He had cited that religious places have reopened in Delhi, and across the nation, without any surge being witnessed in the COVID-19 cases, and had further questioned the motive behind delaying the same in Maharashtra.

"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?" Koshyari's letter read.

The letter also included representations received by the Governor from various groups asking for the reopening of temples and other places of worship.

It is important to note that the exchange between the Governor and Chief Minister is happening at a time when the Bharatiya Janata Party is orgsing demonstrations across the state, demanding re-opening of temples for devotees.

Earlier today, BJP leader Prasad Lad, along with other party workers, was detained by police during a protest held outside Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai.

( With inputs from ANI )