Mumbai: Bill Passed To Expand Siddhivinayak Temple Trust To 15 Trustees Amid Opposition Concerns

Mumbai: A bill increasing the number of trustees of Siddhivinayak Temple Trust to 15 from 7 was passed by the Legislative Council on Wednesday even as the depleted opposition questioned the bill’s real purpose.

Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe who was in the chair suggested to the government that trustees must be Hindus and devotees of Lord Ganesh. She said the appointment of “atheists” on the temple board would not be desirable.

Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe On The Constitution Of The Board

On the constitution of the board, Gorhe said devotion towards the temple, or deity, is important for those visiting the temple. “Otherwise what happened at Tirupati could be repeated,” she said.

Replying to Gorhe’s query, minister Jaykumar Rawal said, “Only devotees are nominated on the trust.” Shiv Sena (UBT) member Sachin Ahir wondered if the government is looking to appease MLAs who missed out on ministerial berths by offering them the trusteeship of the richest temple in the state by expanding the trust board.

“Now that there is a double-engine government, is the reason for increasing trustees a political ally? It's important for us to know the real reason,” said Ahir.

Statement Of NCP-SP Leader Shashikant Shinde

NCP (Sharad Pawar) member Shashikant Shinde said there is a new trend to increase trustees or replace them when a new government all trustees are changed. When MVA came to power, the entire trustee governing body was allowed to complete the term.”

Council’s Leader of Opposition Ambadas Danve suggested that reservation for women must be there in the temple board. Agreeing with him, Gorhe added that at least 33% or even 50% of the trustees should be women and the government should positively consider Danve’s demand.