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Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Banke Bihari priests say no prasad for BJP leaders, officials
Agra: Priests of Vrindavan's Banke Bihari temple announced on Monday that they will no longer offer ceremonial scarves or prasad to BJP leaders and local officials during darshan. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This comes after over 50 days of protests against the proposed Banke Bihari Corridor. Gyanendra Kishor Goswami, a member of the temple's management, said the latest decision came after local women protesting the project were "manhandled" by police during UP power and urban development minister A K Sharma's visit on Saturday. "We have no choice but to protect Bihari ji from a govt trying to turn our spiritual shrine into a picnic spot. We've been protesting peacefully, in the spirit of Gandhiji, without disturbing law and order," said Goswami. "On Saturday, the women came to submit a memorandum against the corridor, but police pushed and manhandled them, refusing to let them meet the minister. We do not want such 'VIPs' here. That's why the priests decided not to honour ruling party leaders or officials with ceremonial scarves. " He clarified that darshan would remain open to all. Goswami also noted that a review petition on the corridor project is still pending before the Supreme Court, even as local authorities continue land surveys. "What's the hurry? They only know how to demolish buildings, not how to find solutions acceptable to all sections of Vrindavan," he said. Established in 1862, the Shri Banke Bihari temple, managed by hereditary Shebaits, is among India's most visited pilgrimage sites. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The redevelopment project, modelled on the Kashi Vishwanath corridor, is estimated to cost Rs 500 crore and involves acquiring nearly five acres around the shrine. SC has allowed land purchases using the temple's fixed deposits, on the condition that ownership remains with the deity or a newly formed trust. The corridor is expected to displace around 275 families, including 200 shopkeepers. Flats in Rukmini Vihar and Sunrakh Bangar have been earmarked for rehabilitation, and officials have promised compensation and alternative shop spaces. The redevelopment gained momentum after a stampede-like incident during Janmashtami in 2022 left two devotees dead. In Sept 2023, the Allahabad high court directed the state to implement a corridor plan to improve crowd safety and access.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Congress MLA Aradhana Misra backs protest against Banke Bihari Corridor
Agra: Congress MLA and Legislature Party Leader in the UP Assembly, Aradhana Misra, on Friday extended support to members of the Goswami community and locals Congress MLA and Legislature Party Leader in the UP Assembly, Aradhana Misra, on Friday extended support to members of the Goswami community and locals protesting the proposed Banke Bihari Corridor in Vrindavan. After visiting the temple, the Rampur Khas MLA said, "I am saddened that the Goswami families, descendants of Swami Haridas, are protesting. The Banke Bihari Temple and Vrindavan are part of the living traditions and faith of the Hindu community." She added, "No one is against Vrindavan's development, but its originality and divinity must not be disturbed. The Congress will raise this issue in the Vidhan Sabha and fully support the protest against the corridor, which has been brought without consulting locals." The protest has been ongoing for over a month, triggered by the formation of the Shri Banke Bihari Ji Mandir Nyas Trust following a Supreme Court ruling on May 15 that approved the ₹500 crore redevelopment project. The 18-member trust — comprising 11 nominated and seven ex-officio members, including two from the Goswami community — will oversee temple rituals, priest appointments, devotee safety, and construction of the corridor. While the state govt says the trust will preserve religious practices, the Shebaits, who have managed the temple since 1862, fear their traditional authority is being undermined. Locals believe that around 275 families, including 200 shopkeepers, may be displaced. Flats in Rukmini Vihar and Sunrakh Bangar have been earmarked for rehabilitation, with compensation and alternate shop space promised. The project gained momentum after a stampede-like incident during Janmashtami celebrations in 2022 killed two devotees. In September 2023, the Allahabad High Court directed the state to implement a corridor plan to improve crowd safety and access. Following local backlash, CM Yogi Adityanath's adviser, Awanish Kumar Awasthi, has begun consultations with priests, residents, and traders.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Amid backlash over Banke Bihari corridor, UP govt says no plan to take over 197 Braj temples
Agra: Amid continuing opposition to the construction of the Banke Bihari corridor in Vrindavan, the Uttar Pradesh govt on Wednesday denied that it was planning to take over 197 temples in the Braj region and said the figure was misinterpreted from a Supreme Court order issued on May 15. Shyam Bahadur Singh, CEO of Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad, said, "There is no plan to acquire 197 temples, including the Banke Bihari shrine. The number was taken from a Supreme Court document where the district judge listed 197 temples involved in legal disputes. It's being misunderstood. The court only pointed out that receivers appointed to manage such temples often lack time or experience, and it barred the appointment of advocates as receivers. That's the only context — there's no acquisition proposal." Receivership is a legal set-up where a court appoints an individual to manage property or institutions embroiled in disputes or unable to self-govern due to legal or financial challenges. The May 15 order called for an end to what SC described as a "Receiver raj" and directed a comprehensive audit of such arrangements in Mathura. On the Banke Bihari temple, Singh said, "We are not trying to take control. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Our aim is transparency in how offerings and funds are used. That's why a trust is being set up. As per section 13 of the ordinance, we're not going to interfere in temple operations. The worship and services as practiced since the time of Swami Haridas Ji will continue." Singh also dismissed claims of a broader temple corridor. "There's no Sapta Devalaya corridor plan. The proposal is only to improve access to these historic temples by creating a development circuit. This means painting murals, improving footpaths, setting up toilets and rest areas where space allows. The project's budget is Rs 18 crore — it's an infrastructure upgrade, not a corridor." Shri Banke Bihari temple, managed by hereditary Shebaits, was established in 1862 in Vrindavan and is one of North India's most visited pilgrimage sites. The redevelopment project — modelled on the Kashi Vishwanath corridor — is estimated to cost Rs 500 crore and involves acquiring nearly five acres of land near the shrine. SC allowed the land purchase to be funded through the temple's fixed deposits, provided the property remains registered in the name of the deity or the newly constituted trust. Around 275 families, including 200 shopkeepers, are likely to be relocated under the plan, with flats in Rukmini Vihar and Sunrakh Bangar earmarked for their rehabilitation. The district administration has promised compensation and alternate shop space to affected stakeholders. However, Gyanendra Kishor Goswami, from the temple's management, rejected govt's clarification. "The Goswami community and Vrindavan locals no longer trust this govt. If they aren't trying to take control, why form a new trust at all? Only two out of 18 members are from our community. Do you think our centuries-old traditions will survive in that set-up? Vrindavan is about spiritual solace, not tourism. We're trying to protect that. " Supreme Court's ruling came after protests by the Goswami community and locals against the corridor and the new trust. A bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and SC Sharma permitted the redevelopment, but stakeholders such as Shebaits alleged they were not consulted. Following public pushback, CM Yogi Adityanath's adviser Awanish Kumar Awasthi held initial talks with priests, residents, and traders to collect suggestions. The redevelopment push began after a stampede-like incident during Janmashtami celebrations in 2022 killed two devotees. In Sept 2023, Allahabad high court directed the state to implement a corridor plan to improve crowd safety and access.
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UP CM adviser holds talks with Goswami community over Banke Bihari Corridor
Agra: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath's adviser Awanish Kumar Awasthi on Friday, chaired a meeting at the tourist facilitation centre in Vrindavan, to discuss issues related to the proposed Banke Bihari Corridor with members of the Goswami community involved in the management of the temple, local shopkeepers and residents. Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Awasthi said the proposed project aims to enhance facilities for pilgrims, and efficiently manage the increasing pilgrim footfall in the Mathura-Vrindavan area. "The number of pilgrims visiting the area is rising exponentially. Today's meeting focused on how to effectively cater to this surge while ensuring public confidence and participation in the planning process. This was the first round of discussions, and it was very productive," he said. On concerns raised by the Goswami community regarding the project, Awasthi said several suggestions had been put forth during the meeting. "The district magistrate and other officials will carefully evaluate these inputs. The state govt aims to proceed with the most inclusive and best possible option to take the project forward," Awasthi said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Established in 1862 in the heart of Vrindavan, the Shri Banke Bihari temple is administered by Shebaits — a hereditary priesthood responsible for daily rituals and temple management. It remains one of North India's most visited pilgrimage sites. The Supreme Court's May 15 verdict came amid ongoing protests by members of the Goswami community and local residents, who have opposed both the corridor project and the formation of Banke Bihari Temple Trust. The court's decision, delivered by a bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and SC Sharma, cleared the way for the govt to move ahead with its Rs 500 crore redevelopment plan, which includes acquiring nearly five acres of land near the shrine, using temple funds. Calls for redevelopment intensified after a stampede-like incident during Janmashtami celebrations in 2022, left two dead. In Sept 2023, the Allahabad high court directed the state govt to implement a corridor plan for improved crowd management and safety. While officials claim stakeholders were consulted, Shebaits and local residents have alleged they were excluded from the planning process. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Hema Malini backs Banke Bihari Corridor, says ‘everyone, including Goswamis, will benefit'
Agra: Mathura BJP MP Hema Malini has welcomed the Supreme Court's (SC) order permitting the construction of the Banke Bihari Corridor in Vrindavan, saying, "The decision is timely and necessary, as the increasing number of devotees visiting the temple has led to challenges in managing darshan. " She added, "The number of devotees is growing day by day, and in such circumstances, we keep hearing distressing news. The SC's decision is a welcome step." Regarding concerns raised by the Goswami community, the MP said the project would benefit all stakeholders. "Everyone will benefit from this... Our govt works keeping everyone in mind. The Goswami community, who perform puja and maintain the temple, will also benefit," she said. Established in 1862 in the heart of Vrindavan, the Shri Banke Bihari temple is administered by Shebaits — a hereditary priesthood responsible for daily rituals and temple management. It remains one of North India's most visited pilgrimage sites. The top court's May 15 verdict came amid ongoing protests by members of the Goswami community and local residents, who have opposed both the corridor project and the formation of Banke Bihari Temple Trust. The court's decision, delivered by a bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and SC Sharma, cleared the way for the govt to move ahead with its Rs 500 crore redevelopment plan, which includes acquiring nearly five acres of land near the shrine, using temple funds. Calls for redevelopment intensified after a stampede-like incident during Janmashtami celebrations in 2022, which left two dead. In Sept 2023, the Allahabad high court directed the state govt to implement a corridor plan for improved crowd management and safety. While officials claim stakeholders were consulted, Shebaits and local residents have alleged they were excluded from the planning process.
