"Mandir Wahin Banana Hai": Inside the Jain Community's protest in Mumbai

Thousands of protestors from the Jain community filled the streets in Mumbai’s Vile Parle over the weekend, after the city’s civic body BMC demolished Shri 1008 Parshwanath Derasara Jain temple in the area. The protestors claimed that the civic body had acted in haste while carrying out the demolition.

The temple, located inside the Neminath Cooperative Housing Society, was razed by the BMC’s K-East ward team on April 16, claiming it was an unauthorized structure built on land reserved for a recreational ground. The demolition triggered outrage across the Jain community, with many saying the temple dated back to 1935 and held deep spiritual value.

On Saturday, over 20,000 people—led by religious leaders, BJP Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, local MLA Parag Alavani, and other political figures—marched to the ward office demanding answers. Protesters submitted a memorandum of demands and held a two-hour meeting with K-East ward officer Navnath Ghadge, who was later transferred with immediate effect.

“The entire Jain community is anguished,” said Paresh Shah from the Maharashtra Gaushala Sangh, claiming that the demolition was carried out without giving temple trustees time to respond.

Political leaders across parties have weighed in. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray accused the BJP-led government of controlling the BMC and called Minister Lodha’s protest “drama,” alleging he could have prevented the demolition using his position.

Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad alleged religious texts and idols were disrespected during the demolition and blamed the BJP’s “bulldozer government” for targeting minorities. She said BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani promised to rebuild the temple at the same spot.

As tensions remain high, the Bombay High Court is expected to hear the matter on April 30. The Jain community continues to demand justice and accountability.