Controversy in Mathura: Muslim Contractor Awarded Banke Bihari Temple Railing Project; Saints Appeal to CM Yogi

Mathura: A dispute has erupted in Mathura after a contract for installing steel railings in the corridor and courtyard of the world-famous Banke Bihari Temple was awarded to a Muslim contractor. Saints from the Braj region and the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas have strongly objected, urging Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to cancel the contract immediately.

Dinesh Falahari Maharaj, head of the Nyas, wrote a letter to the CM expressing outrage. He stated that at this sacred site, where Lord Krishna and Radha enacted the divine Raas Leela and other pastimes, the entry of those perceived as opponents of Sanatan Dharma is unacceptable to the local devotees. Maharaj further claimed, “Allowing individuals who consume beef and consider Hindus as infidels into Banke Bihari’s courtyard would displease our Kanhaiya.”

Allegations of Concealed Identity

The saints allege that the contractor, Salim Ahmed of ‘Kanika Construction,’ allegedly concealed his identity to secure the contract. Maharaj demanded a high-level investigation, questioning why, in a society with thousands of skilled Hindu contractors, descendants of Mughal families are being allowed access to temple premises. He insisted that Muslims should not be permitted within a one-kilometer radius of the Banke Bihari Temple.

Historical Grievances Fueling Anger

The controversy has stirred strong emotions across the Braj region. Saints argued that assigning temple beautification work to descendants of those who historically destroyed temples in Mathura, Kashi, and Ayodhya and converted them into places of worship for other religions deeply hurts the faith of millions of Hindus. They warned that if Salim Ahmed’s contract is not canceled and reassigned to a Hindu contractor, they may be forced to launch a major agitation.