Hema Malini, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate contesting the Lok Sabha election from Mathura for the third time, has declared herself a “gopi” (cowherd woman) of Lord Krishna.
In a statement to reporters, Hema Malini said, “I joined politics neither for name nor for fame. I also did not join politics for any materialistic gain.” She added, “Since Lord Krishna loves the ‘Brijwasis’ (residents of Braj region), I thought that he will shower his blessings on me only if I serve them sincerely. And I am accordingly serving the Brijwasis.”
The two-term MP from Mathura expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP president JP Nadda for giving her the opportunity to serve the Brijwasis for the third time.
Hema Malini said that her first priority will be the development of the ‘Braj 84 Kos Parikrama’, a pilgrimage route, which she described as being in a “miserable condition.” She stated, “Efforts will be made to turn Braj 84 Kos Parikrama soothing, alluring and fascinating for the tourists.”
The actor-turned-politician also mentioned that Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari had sanctioned ₹5,000 crore for the renovation of the Braj 84 Kos Parikrama, and she will work to get the rest of the ₹11,000 crore required for an “ideal infrastructure” to provide the necessary facilities for pilgrims and attract international tourists.
Hema Malini’s second priority will be to work towards cleaning the Yamuna river, which she claimed remains polluted in Mathura. She alleged that the Delhi government has not taken interest in solving the pollution problem of the Yamuna river.
The Mathura MP also expressed her gratitude to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for forming the UP Braj Tirth Vikas Parishad at her request, which has led to the development of various projects in the region, including the renovation of Raskhan Samadhi, Sur Sadhana Sthali, and Govardhan Parikrama.
