Raj Thackeray alleges Rs 18 crore annual siphon-off at Siddhivinayak temple; demands CBI probe

Mumbai, January 2025: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has claimed that crores of rupees from donations at Mumbai's renowned Siddhivinayak Temple are being siphoned off every year. Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Thackeray alleged that Rs 18 crore is stolen annually from the temple's donation collection, and demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter.

Siddhivinayak Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is one of the most visited and wealthiest temples in India. Devotees contribute substantial sums through donation boxes, online contributions, and offerings. The temple is managed by the Shri Siddhivinayak Ganpati Temple Trust, which functions under the Maharashtra government.

Thackeray said that the trust has failed to maintain transparency in handling donor funds. He claimed that despite a high volume of footfall and significant collections, only a fraction reaches the temple's official treasury. “The donations from thousands of devotees are being looted. It is not a small amount – Rs 18 crore is taken away each year,” he said. He also demanded an inquiry by the CBI, asserting that the state government's own departments cannot be trusted to probe the matter objectively.

The MNS chief further alleged that while the temple's revenue has been rising, the reported expenditure and deposits do not match the expected collection. He questioned why there has been no proper audit of the donation boxes and digital payment systems. He called for the installation of transparent donation counters and a public disclosure of the temple's finances.

Reacting to the allegations, officials of the Siddhivinayak Temple Trust denied any wrongdoing. A trust representative said that all donations are accounted for and claimed that the temple maintains accurate records. The trust cited recent audits and stated that any suggestion of theft is baseless and politically motivated. The Maharashtra government has not yet issued an official response, but sources say the state may order an internal inquiry to verify the claims.

This is not the first time the temple's financial management has come under scrutiny. In the past, activists have raised concerns about the handling of vast sums of money and the lack of a robust audit system. The temple collects money not only through physical donation boxes but also via online portals and lockers for valuables. Devotees often offer gold, silver and currency notes, which are later inventoried.

The Siddhivinayak Temple Trust was established in 1956 and has been governed by state-nominated trustees. Critics have pointed out that the trust's functioning often lacks independent oversight. Political leaders from different parties have periodically demanded greater accountability in temple administration across Maharashtra.

Thackeray's accusation comes ahead of the Mumbai civic body elections, and political observers see it as part of a broader campaign to highlight alleged corruption in the state government. However, supporters of the MNS say that the issue is genuine and needs urgent attention.

The temple administration, meanwhile, has appealed to devotees to continue their faith while asserting that it is cooperating with existing audit procedures. The final decision on a CBI probe rests with the central government, as the request would need to be forwarded by the state government.

This report will be updated as more information becomes available. The allegations remain unverified and the temple trust has strongly denied any wrongdoing.