Mumbai, July 11: Amid ongoing political discussions regarding alleged irregularities in donations and offerings at temples across the country, Yashwant Killedar, a leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), has raised serious questions about the operations of the Shri Siddhivinayak Temple Trust in Mumbai. He accused the government of bringing up old issues for political gain instead of ensuring transparency in temple-related matters.
In an interview, Killedar stated that the current governance in the country has led to increased corruption within various institutions. The need for substantial funds to manage political systems, electoral processes, and maintain power has fostered corruption, which has now infiltrated religious institutions. He claimed that even temples have not remained untouched by this alleged corruption. Following the emergence of financial controversies related to the Ram Temple, the long-standing issues surrounding Siddhivinayak Temple are being revived to distract the public.
Killedar alleged that around six months ago, some employees of Siddhivinayak Temple were caught on CCTV stealing, leading to an FIR against them. However, he criticized the police for only taking action after the issue gained media and social media attention, suggesting that a thorough investigation was not conducted.
Responding to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s accusations of the opposition remaining silent on the Siddhivinayak Temple issue, Killedar pointed out that he had raised this matter approximately three and a half years ago. At that time, a formal complaint was filed with the state’s Justice and Law Department, requesting an investigation into the temple trust’s operations. When no action was taken, he held a press conference to publicize the issue, which subsequently gained widespread attention. Although the government promised an investigation and action against the guilty, no concrete steps have been taken years later. He questioned why the government did not act at that time if they were serious and why the issue is being raised again now.
Killedar also questioned the proposed beautification project for the Siddhivinayak Temple. He noted that the temple trust is financially robust and has historically contributed millions to various social causes. Therefore, he found it perplexing that such a significant amount would be spent from the Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s funds. He argued that allocating ₹500 crore for beautification in such a small area seems excessive and called for an impartial investigation into the project. If any irregularities are found, he insisted that action should be taken against those responsible.
He further alleged that old issues are being resurfaced to divert public attention following the controversies surrounding the Ram Temple. Killedar emphasized that the public is becoming increasingly aware of such political strategies and that issues tied to religious faith should not be exploited for political advantage.
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