Raj Thackeray Claims Systemic Financial Misconduct at Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple
MNS leader Raj Thackeray has alleged that 18 crore rupees are siphoned annually from Mumbai's iconic shrine. The claims come amid a broader demand for federal intervention into temple fund mismanagement.
Key takeaways
- Raj Thackeray alleges an annual theft of ₹18 crore from Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple, roughly 10% of its fiscal 2026 revenue.
- The temple trust chairman confirmed nine employees were arrested for stealing from donation boxes following an internal tip-off.
- Thackeray has called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in matters of temple fund security and alleged mismanagement.
Allegations of Ten Percent Revenue Leakage
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray has leveled serious accusations of financial malpractice against the management of Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple. Speaking in Mumbai on August 1, 2026, during the 20th anniversary of the MNS student wing, Thackeray asserted that approximately ₹18 crore is stolen from the temple's coffers every year. This figure represents nearly 10% of the shrine's ₹182 crore revenue reported for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
Evidence of Internal Theft and Political Fallout
To support his claims, Thackeray cited a formal communication sent by eight trustees to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The MNS chief noted that vigilant trustees had previously intercepted employees caught stealing directly from donation boxes. Thackeray used the platform to call upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the security of religious funds, suggesting that even the most sacred sites lack financial integrity. He also referenced ongoing concerns regarding a ₹1,400 crore discrepancy related to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Response from Temple Authorities
Sada Sarvankar, chairman of the Siddhivinayak Temple Trust and a member of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, responded to the allegations by confirming that legal actions have already been initiated. Sarvankar stated that nine employees were arrested following internal investigations. Key points regarding the temple's current status include:
- Revenue reached ₹182 crore in the 2025-26 fiscal year due to increased devotee traffic.
- Trust management maintains that growth in donations is a result of their improved administrative efforts.
- Law enforcement has filed criminal cases where evidence of theft was substantiated.
The controversy surfaces as investigators continue to probe separate allegations of financial irregularities involving the Ayodhya Ram temple donations.
Source: The Hindu — National
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