Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stirred controversy in the assembly by making a compelling case for a temple at the site of a mosque in Mathura, saying that “it aligns with the spirit of Lord Krishna”.
During a debate on the Governor’s Address, Adityanath indirectly referred to disputes over religious sites, including the Ram temple in Ayodhya and the Kashi Vishwanath shrine in Varanasi. Drawing parallels, he recalled the Mahabharata tale of land dispute.
“We asked only for three places, there was no issue over the others,” Adityanath said, alluding to Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura.
In a subtle nod to recent developments, he cited the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and criticized the previous Samajwadi Party government for neglecting Ayodhya’s development.
Adityanath underscored the determination displayed by both devotees and historical figures, stating, “When people saw the celebration in Ayodhya, Nandi Baba too said why he should wait. Without waiting, he too got the barricades removed in the night,” referring to recent events in Varanasi.
The mention of Nandi Baba pertains to a court order allowing Hindu prayers in a cellar near the Kashi Vishwanath temple, prompting administrative actions in Varanasi.
In Mathura, where a temple and mosque coexist, Adityanath echoed the sentiments of Hindu litigants claiming the site as Lord Krishna’s birthplace. He criticized past administrations for failing to address development needs in Ayodhya and questioned their intentions.
