Never let Mathura become 'Muzaffarnagar': Rakesh Tikait

Mathura (UP): Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait cautioned his supporters that some might try to turn Mathura into 'Muzaffarnagar' in an attempt to generate votes, which should not be let happen at any cost, Hindustan Times reported. Tikait was addressing supporters in Mathura on Monday.

He said some are looking for votes here, which they couldn't find in other places. They will try to instigate riots to gather votes in their favour, but such a scenario would crash businesses, leave many jobless, and daily activities will come to rest. But Tikait had named no one. He said people of Mathura love peace and prayers, and it should remain the same.

The Muzaffarnagar riots, clashes between Hindu and Muslim communities, in 2013 had taken 62 lives, injured 93 and displaced more than 50,000 people from homes.

As per the Hindu faith, Mathura is where Lord Krishna was born. Many petitions in various courts here claim that the Shahi Eidgah near Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi was built by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb after demolishing a temple in the 17th century. Recently, BJP leader Hema Malini has also demanded a grand temple there.

Though Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adithyanath has mentioned nothing regarding the issue, despite his frequent visits to the district, deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya had said that preparations are going on regarding the construction of a grand temple here.

Meanwhile, the Mathura district administration refused to permit right-wing organisations to perform 'jalabhishek' in Shahi Eidgah on December 6.