UP CM Adityanath calls for Krishna Janmabhoomi movement, challenges SP on Mathura

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday called for a movement to “liberate” the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura, drawing a parallel with the Ram Janmabhoomi movement that led to the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

Speaking at a public event in Hathras, Adityanath said, “Now, talk about Mathura. Just like the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi movement, a similar campaign should be run to liberate Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi.” He made the remarks while inaugurating development projects in the district.

The Chief Minister’s statement comes amid an ongoing political dispute over alleged irregularities in donations towards the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The Samajwadi Party (SP) has been criticising the BJP over the issue, with SP chief Akhilesh Yadav claiming that an SP government would develop Ayodhya as a “religious city”.

Adityanath dismissed Yadav’s remarks, stating that Ayodhya’s transformation had already been achieved through the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the construction of the Ram Mandir under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

The Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura is a site of religious significance for Hindus, with an existing mosque—the Shahi Eidgah—located adjacent to the temple. Legal cases have been filed seeking the removal of the mosque, claiming it was built on the site of a former Krishna temple. The matter is currently pending in court.

The Chief Minister’s call for a movement on Mathura is seen as an attempt to shift the political focus from the Ayodhya donation controversy. However, the feasibility of such a movement remains uncertain, as legal proceedings are ongoing.

The Uttar Pradesh government has not officially commented on the legal status of the Krishna Janmabhoomi dispute. Adityanath’s remarks reflect a broader push by some Hindu groups for similar claims at other religious sites, including Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi.