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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Rajasthan: Constable shunted to police lines after sharing Rahul Gandhi's post on 'vote theft'
Jaipur (PTI): A constable posted in Didwana-Kuchaman was shunted to police lines after he allegedly reposted a post by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi using the official X handle of the district police.
The post, which alleged "vote theft" in Haryana by the central government and the Election Commission, was reposted on Wednesday evening. However, it was removed immediately after the matter came to the notice of senior officials.
Officials said that the police department does not support the post.
The constable was responsible for operating the X handle. He was removed from the duty and attached to police lines, the officials said.
Superintendent of Police Richa Tomar said that the police department does not support the post and it was removed immediately after it came to notice.
"The post may have been shared due to an individual's mistake or account hacking. A detailed inquiry has been assigned to the Additional Superintendent of Police, Didwana," the SP added.
The post had claimed irregularities in Haryana's voter list, including multiple votes registered under the same photo and duplicate entries across different constituencies.
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