Eknath Shinde claims Siddhivinayak Temple funds were stolen under Uddhav Thackeray; ex-chief refutes
Following criticism from the Opposition regarding the alleged theft of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has accused the previous Uddhav Thackeray administration (2019-2022) of allowing the looting of donation boxes at Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple. In response, former temple trust chairman and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aadesh Bandekar stated, "If I'm found guilty, hang me in front of the temple."