Uttar Pradesh Congress state president Ajay Rai and national general secretary Avinash Pandey arrived in Vrindavan on Saturday. Here, they offered prayers and sought blessings at the temple of Thakur Banke Bihari Maharaj.
However, the political significance of this religious visit increased when members of the Goswami community met with Ajay Rai and registered their strong protest against the proposed ‘Banke Bihari Corridor’. Seeing the anger of the local people, Ajay Rai launched a scathing attack on the government.
Speaking to the media, Rai compared the corridor construction to what happened in Varanasi.
He said, “Just as destruction was carried out in the name of development in Banaras and the court of Baba Vishwanath was ruined, they are preparing to do the same with Banke Bihari Ji. This holy place will be destroyed, and like Banaras, all the big contracts and work here will be given to people from Gujarat.”
Rai clarified that the Congress party stands completely with the local residents and the Goswami community. He said that the people’s demand is justified, that the corridor should be built outside the temple area, not around it. Rai alleged that the government is not developing the city, but rather tampering with the character of this ancient city.
On questions about the state’s law and order situation and recent encounters, Ajay Rai strongly criticized the Yogi government.
Calling it ‘jungle raj’, he said, “Atrocities and injustice prevail throughout the state. When Shankaracharya is being insulted, and children studying the Vedas are being beaten, it can be understood how insecure the Brahmin community is. There is chaos in the state.”
Ajay Rai also raised the issue of the alleged misbehavior with women and families of the Goswami community during the Chief Minister’s recent visit. He warned in a stern tone that the Congress party would not tolerate any insult to the Goswami family and would fight for their rights with unwavering determination.