By News Desk 
A major religious controversy has broken out in Maharashtra’s Ahilyanagar district, centered around the Shri Kshetra Shani Shingnapur temple, a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site. The dispute involves the employment of Muslim workers by the temple trust, with Hindu groups demanding their immediate dismissal.
The issue has escalated in recent days, with several organizations threatening mass protests. According to reports, 114 Muslim employees are currently working under the temple’s trust, which has prompted backlash from certain Hindu factions.
Hindu Groups Threaten Mass Protest
Members of the Sakal Hindu Samaj, an umbrella group representing various Hindu organizations, have issued a stern warning: if the Muslim employees are not removed from their positions by June 14, 2025, the group will organize a massive protest march outside the temple.
Their argument hinges on religious grounds — citing dietary and cultural differences, such as the consumption of non-vegetarian food by Muslims, and questioning their presence in a sacred Hindu space. They claim this compromises the spiritual purity of the temple and its associated institutions.
Earlier Incident Sparked Tensions
The roots of the controversy can be traced back to May 2025, when a routine construction and maintenance project was underway within the temple complex. During this work — specifically while installing a metal grill on the holy temple platform — it was revealed that a number of Muslim laborers were involved.
This revelation quickly spread through social media and right-wing Hindu groups, many of whom reacted with outrage. Various claims have been made about the number of Muslim employees, ranging from 114 to over 300, depending on the source.
The issue quickly gained traction, with organizations like the Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh and the BJP’s Spiritual Front joining the protest. They argue that the hiring of non-Hindus, particularly in a revered temple known for its strict religious customs, is an affront to Hindu sentiments.
Shani Shingnapur, Maharashtra: BJP Spiritual Front chief Acharya Tushar Bhosale alleged that 114 Muslim employees at Shani Shingnapur temple hurt Hindu sentiments. A grand march by the Hindu community is planned on June 14 demanding their removal pic.twitter.com/t0npCvFUFp
— IANS (@ians_india) June 11, 2025
Religious Leaders Join the Demand
Prominent religious figure Acharya Tushar Bhosale, head of the BJP’s Spiritual Wing, has called for a “Vishal Hindu Morcha” (mass Hindu rally) to be held on June 14, 2025. The central demand: the removal of all Muslim employees from the Shani Shingnapur temple trust and affiliated institutions.
Bhosale stated that the presence of non-Hindu staff undermines the temple’s sanctity and cultural integrity, and warned that further inaction could lead to wider unrest among the Hindu community.