Vrindavan’s Banke Bihari temple rejects 'Boycott Muslims' call from right-wing groups
Lucknow: The popular Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan has rejected demands made by right-wing groups to boycott Muslim workers who provide services to the shrine, following protests sparked by the recent attack in Pahalgam.
Gyanendra Kishore Goswami, a priest and member of the temple’s administrative committee, called the demand impractical and out of step with local traditions. “Muslims, particularly artisans and weavers, have deep-rooted contributions here. They've played a major role in weaving the dresses of Banke Bihari for decades,” the Times of India quoted Goswami as saying.
Protesters in Mathura and Vrindavan had appealed to Hindu shopkeepers and devotees to avoid doing business with Muslims. They also asked Muslim shop-owners to "write proprietors' names on business establishments.
Meanwhile, Goswami underscored the deep-rooted social harmony in the temple town, highlighting the invaluable contributions of Muslim artisans to the temple. He noted that some of the most intricate crowns and bangles offered to the deity are made by Muslims.
At the same time, he strongly condemned the attack in Pahalgam and urged strict action against the perpetrators. “But in Vrindavan, Hindus and Muslims live together in peace and harmony,” he emphasised. His sentiments were echoed by most priests and locals, the report added.
Nearby shopkeeper Javed Ali, who runs 'Star Mukut', said he was directly confronted by protesters who asked him to put the name of the proprietor on the signboard. “I've been running this shop for over 20 years. My father worked here as a tailor. Whenever a customer buys things, I usually give them a bill receipt with my name and mobile number on it. We have nothing to hide,” TOI quoted Ali as saying. He added that the priests’ stance had provided them with much-needed relief and reassurance.
Nikhil Aggarwal, who owns a shop next to Ali’s, supported his neighbour, noting that they have always maintained a cordial relationship and frequently help each other, irrespective of religion.
This is not the first time the temple administration has resisted divisive demands. A month ago, priests similarly dismissed calls to stop using attire crafted by Muslim artisans for the deity, emphasising that religious discrimination had no place in the temple's traditions. They noted that the demand was “impractical” as other communities “simply did not have the same level of dexterity in crafting these attires.”
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Punishment for those disrupting assembly proceedings, warns Speaker UT Khader
Belagavi: Speaker U.T. Khader on Friday warned that members who disrupt Assembly proceedings by talking in their seats during debates will be made to sit in the House for an entire day as a disciplinary measure.
The warning came after the Question Hour, when Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad was permitted to initiate a discussion on the development of North Karnataka.
At this point, expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal objected, stating that he had been seeking a debate for the past three days but had not been given an opportunity.
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Responding to the objection, Speaker Khader said Bellad had already been granted permission and assured Yatnal that he would be allowed to speak at the next opportunity. He noted that even as a serious discussion was underway, several MLAs were speaking among themselves with their microphones on, disrupting the proceedings.
Expressing displeasure over the conduct of members, Khader likened the situation to football, where players receive red, yellow, or white cards for violations. Similarly, he said, the Assembly issues warning cards to members who disturb the House. If they fail to correct themselves despite repeated warnings, they would be required to remain seated in the Assembly hall for a full day as punishment, he stated.
