Farmers Movement Archive

Don’t let Mathura turn into Muzaffarnagar, says Rakesh Tikait

AGRA: Amid renewed clamour for the construction of Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) national spokesperson Rakesh Tikait cautioned people "not to get swayed by communal forces and let Mathura turn into Muzaffarnagar", where communal riots in 2013 left over 60 people dead and thousands homeless. Tikait urged people to "save" the holy city from forces seeking to disrupt peace by inciting riots in the name of religion. The farmer leader was in Mathura to end the 421-day protest held by Samata Foundation in support of farmers' sit-in in Delhi against the Centre's agriculture laws. “Mathura ko Muzaffarnagar mat banne dena (Don’t let Mathura turn into Muzaffarnagar),” Tikait said. Without naming any political party, he said some parties are trying to polarise voters and, hence, attempting to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere in Mathura. “As of now, people of different faiths are able to offer prayers peacefully here, but some are trying to create a communal divide and incite riots. Do not fall into their trap,” Tikait told the crowd. "People cast votes on development, not conflict. The government should focus on its work. Basic problems such as cleaning of the Yamuna should be their focus, and a law should be enacted to ensure guaranteed MSP (minimum support price) for farm produce,” Tikait added. Several political leaders in recent weeks have made controversial statements regarding the disputed site in Mathura. Earlier this month, deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya tweeted: “Foundations of a grand temple in Ayodhya and Kashi are underway, and preparations are on for Mathura now.” A few days later, UP cabinet minister Chaudhary Laxmi Narayan Singh stated: “If Lord Krishna's temple is not constructed in Mathura, will it be made in Lahore or Rawalpindi?”

The Times of India

2021-12-29

Agra