MNS chief Raj Thackeray claims massive donation fraud at Mumbai and Ayodhya temples
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Raj Thackeray alleged that the Siddhivinayak Temple loses about Rs 18 crore each year, and that the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has seen Rs 1,400 crore siphoned off.
Raj Thackeray, head of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, claimed on Saturday that the Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai is losing about Rs 18 crore in donor contributions each year due to internal theft. He extended the allegation to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, alleging that approximately Rs 1,400 crore has been embezzled from its donation pool. Thackeray presented these figures as part of a broader critique of temple fund management, though he did not provide evidence to substantiate the numbers.
The accusations have sparked renewed debate over financial oversight of major religious institutions in India. Neither the Siddhivinayak Temple trustees nor the Ayodhya Ram Temple authorities have issued a comment. No legal action or investigation has been announced following the statements.
Why it matters
The claims raise public concern over the accountability of large religious charities handling billions of rupees.
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