Shani Shingnapur Temple Dismisses 114 Muslim Workers Amid Hindutva Protests.

Amid Hindutva Groups and NCP protests, Shani Shingnapur Temple Trust in Maharashtra sacks 167 employees, including 114 Muslims.

Upendra Bharati | HENB | Mumbai | June 16, 2025::  In a move that has sparked controversy and debate, the Shani Shingnapur temple in Maharashtra’s Ahilyanagar district has terminated 167 employees, including 114 Muslim workers, citing disciplinary grounds. The decision comes after sustained protests by Hindutva groups, who had been demanding the removal of Muslim employees from the temple.

According to reports, the Shri Shaneshwar Devasthan Trust, which manages the temple, cited reasons such as prolonged absenteeism, misconduct, and other similar violations for the termination. However, critics argue that the move is discriminatory and targets Muslim employees unfairly.

The controversy began in May when a video purportedly showing Muslim employees doing maintenance work inside the temple was circulated on social media. Hindutva groups, including the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)’s Sangram Jagtap, staged protests and demanded the termination of Muslim workers.

“We will not tolerate the employment of Muslim workers in a Hindu temple,” Jagtap said, emphasizing the need to protect Hindu sentiments. “Shani Shingnapur Devasthan is a temple of the Hindu faith, and it is not appropriate to have Muslim employees working there.”

The temple trust’s decision has been met with both support and criticism. While some have hailed the move as a victory for Hindu rights, others have condemned it as discriminatory and an attack on minority rights.

The incident highlights the growing tensions between Hindutva groups and minority communities in India, with many questioning the role of religion in public life. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the Shani Shingnapur temple controversy has ignited a sensitive and complex issue that will require careful consideration and nuanced discussion.

On the other hand, Muslims are iconoclasts and they denounce idol worship. Generally, Muslims look down upon Hindu believers. But, under the mode of ‘Temple Jihad’, Muslims planfully take entry into Hindu temples for both employment and business. Hindus generally don’t oppose Muslims, even seeing their penetration into Hindu temples. Now, disillusioned Hindus have started to show their annoyance towards anti-Hindu Muslims in Hindu worship places.
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__Agency Inputs.