In a move that has sparked widespread outrage, the Shri Shaneshwar Devasthan Trust—the body that manages the iconic Shani Shingnapur temple in Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar district—recently dismissed 167 contract workers. Of those dismissed, 114 were Muslim. While the Trust claims the decision was due to absenteeism and poor work performance, the timing, just days after protests by Hindutva groups, has led many to question the real motive.
The controversy began in May this year, when a video went viral on social media. It showed Muslim workers doing painting and maintenance work near the temple. Soon after, right-wing groups and leaders—including NCP MLA Sangram Jagtap—raised objections. They demanded that non-Hindus should not be allowed to work at the shrine. The pressure escalated quickly. On June 8 and June 14, the Trust held internal meetings and, shortly after, issued dismissal orders to 167 workers, without any public hearing or formal investigation.
Temple officials insist that religion had no role in the decision. They say only 900 out of the 2,400 hired workers were showing up regularly, and the rest were underperforming. But those removed were mostly low-wage labourers—working as sweepers, helping in the cowshed, farming, or performing basic administrative tasks. Many were hired without formal contracts.
One of the workers said, “We weren’t even in the temple. We worked in the gaushala and farms. No one even asked us anything before removing us. This job was the only way we fed our families.”
Statements made by some protest organisers hinted at deeper motives. Tushar Bhosale, a leader from the BJP’s spiritual wing, openly said, “We will not allow non-Hindus to work in Hindu shrines.” Though he later tried to soften his words, the message had already spread—Muslims are no longer welcome in these spaces.
Speaking to Maktoob, Dr. Parvez Ashrafi, a social activist and political leader from Ahmednagar, said, “Political polarisation is at its peak here—especially in this district. Muslims are being targeted just for their identity. They’re being pushed out of work, isolated in society, and even their lands are being grabbed by extremist groups. The same government that promises employment for all is watching while entire communities lose their livelihoods. This isn’t just unfair—it goes against the very soul of our Constitution.”
Several political leaders have slammed the decision. Former Maharashtra Minority Affairs Minister Jitendra Awhad said, “What has happened at Shani Shingnapur is shameful for a progressive state like ours. This should be stopped immediately. I appeal to the Chief Minister to intervene and ensure that these workers are brought back. It is wrong to fire anyone because of their religion.”
Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh also criticised the move, calling it a violation of civil rights. “The BJP has always targeted Muslims and Dalits. This is their old playbook—divide people by religion, create hate, and win power,” he said.
Shani Shingnapur lies in Nevasa taluka, in the heart of Ahmednagar district. The area is known for its farmlands and temple-based tourism. The village and the surrounding area have a population of over 1.3 lakh. Every day, the temple sees nearly 40,000 devotees. On special days like Shani Amavasya, the number can cross three lakh. Many local families—including Muslims—have worked in and around the temple for years, in farming, cleaning, shopkeeping, or other support roles.
For decades, this temple has symbolised a syncretic culture. Known for its open homes—without doors or locks—Shani Shingnapur has always stood for trust and harmony. Muslims and Hindus have worked side by side here. But that harmony seems to be slowly unravelling.
Advocate Shabnam Shaikh said, “Firing workers based on faith is a clear violation of fundamental rights. If there were genuine issues with attendance or conduct, the Trust should’ve followed a fair process. But they didn’t. This was targeted and arbitrary.”
Historian Prof. Sanjay Mirza echoed the concern. “Shani Shingnapur was a place of unity—of shared faith and shared work. This kind of removal doesn’t just affect families—it breaks something deeper. It tears away years of trust between communities.”
One of the most troubling aspects is that the Muslim workers weren’t involved in religious rituals or inside the temple sanctum. They were handling external duties—cleaning, farming, and administration. And yet, they were all dismissed in one go, as if their mere presence had become intolerable.
Local faith leaders have also spoken out. “Places of worship are meant to bring people together,” said Imam Zafar Ali. “This isn’t just about Muslims—it’s about what kind of society we want to be.”
