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MUMBAI, INDIA, January 6, 2004: Devotees lining up at the Siddhivinayak Temple, Prabhadevi, are receiving a pamphlet distributed by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). The pamphlet says the temple’s funds are being systematically diverted to private trusts run by ministers in the state government and state officials. The state government controls the Siddhivinayak Temple trust, which is the state’s second richest with over $9 million. The distribution of the pamphlets began last week. VHP president Ashok Chowgule and other VHP workers met with governor Mohammad Fazal and asked him to present the issue to the state government. It is not just the VHP that has raised the issue of corruption at the temple. A public interest litigation was filed in the Bombay High court in November, with the same allegations. The petition has alleged that in the absence of any guidelines for distribution of temple funds, the funds are being misused by those who control the temple. The plea has sought transparency in allocation of funds by the trustees to other trusts and NGOs. The petition is being heard by the court. Unlike other temple trusts that are governed by the charity commissioner, the Siddhivinayak temple trust is governed under a special legislation enacted by the state government in 1980 and comes under the direct jurisdiction of the state law and judiciary department.

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