Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Saturday alleged large-scale irregularities in temple donations, claiming that crores of rupees were siphoned off annually from Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple while also referring to the reported donation theft case at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
Addressing a programme organised by the MNS student wing, Thackeray said corruption had reached places of worship and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to respond to the issue.
Raj Thackeray Questions Temple Donation Management
Speaking at the event, Thackeray claimed that the alleged diversion of donations at the Siddhivinayak Temple had continued for years before it came to light.”Even temples are not safe these days,” he said, adding, “Frustrated youths visit temples, but even temples are not safe from corruption.”
Citing a letter allegedly written by eight trustees to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Thackeray claimed the temple’s weekly donation collections increased significantly after the suspected theft was detected.
According to him, donations that earlier stood at less than ₹50 lakh per week later rose to nearly ₹1.5 crore, leading him to allege that nearly ₹18 crore was being siphoned off annually.
Siddhivinayak Trust Responds
Reacting to the allegations, Siddhivinayak Temple Trust chairman and Shiv Sena leader Sada Sarvankar said the trust had already taken action after irregularities surfaced.
He informed reporters that nine employees had been arrested in connection with the case and legal proceedings had been initiated wherever necessary.
Sarvankar also rejected any suggestion that the trust had ignored the issue, stating that measures taken by the administration had helped improve transparency. He said the temple’s annual income had increased from ₹114 crore two years ago to ₹182 crore.
Ayodhya Ram Mandir Theft Also Mentioned
During his speech, Thackeray also referred to the reported theft of donations at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, alleging that ₹1,400 crore had been stolen.
Police in Ayodhya have already arrested multiple accused in connection with the donation theft case, and the investigation is continuing.
Thackeray said incidents involving temple funds should be addressed with seriousness and called for accountability in the management of religious institutions.
