Muslim groups condemn the saint’s comments, warning against actions that could disturb communal harmony
MATHURA — A fresh controversy has erupted in Uttar Pradesh after a Hindu religious leader called for a mobilisation similar to the Ram Temple movement in Ayodhya in connection with the long-running dispute over the Shahi Eidgah Mosque in Mathura.
The remarks, made by Swami Sachchidanand, have drawn criticism from members of the Muslim community and prompted the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) to publicly distance itself from the statement.
According to reports, Swami Sachchidanand described the Shahi Eidgah Mosque as the birthplace of Lord Krishna and appealed to Hindu saints and supporters to gather on 9 August for what he termed a “kar seva”.
He reportedly referred to the movement that led to the dastardly demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992 and urged supporters to participate in a similar campaign regarding the Mathura dispute.
The comments quickly triggered political and social reactions, with critics warning that such statements could increase tensions around a matter that is currently being considered by the courts.
Muslim community leaders and residents expressed concern over the remarks, saying that calls targeting a functioning mosque could damage communal harmony and create unnecessary anxiety among local people.
In a significant development, the VHP clarified that it had no connection with the call issued by the religious leader.
Speaking to the media, VHP’s state president Kanhaiyalal Agrawal said the organisation was not involved in the appeal and did not support actions outside the legal process.
“Saints have their own views and ways of expressing them. We do not know their intentions or plans. But our view is that when a matter is before the court, such activities should not take place. They can disturb the atmosphere,” Agrawal said.
He added that peace and stability should be maintained in the region and that disputes should be addressed through lawful means.
The Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah dispute remains the subject of multiple legal proceedings.
Several Hindu petitioners have sought legal recognition of claims relating to the site, while Muslim organisations maintain that the mosque is protected by law and that all issues should be resolved through the judicial process.
Legal experts note that, regardless of public statements by religious or political figures, the dispute remains under consideration by the courts and will ultimately be decided through judicial proceedings.
The controversy comes shortly after Yogi Adityanath commented on the Krishna Janmabhoomi issue during a public event.
The chief minister challenged Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav to clarify his position on the matter, arguing that those who speak about religious issues should also state their views on the Krishna Janmabhoomi dispute.
His remarks followed political exchanges over allegations relating to donations associated with the Ram Mandir project.
While distancing itself from Swami Sachchidanand’s call, the VHP reiterated its support for the Krishna Janmabhoomi movement.
Agrawal said that after the completion of the Ram Temple movement in Ayodhya, many Hindu organisations view the Krishna Janmabhoomi issue as an important religious matter.
“Just as Lord Ram is now worshipped in a grand temple in Ayodhya, many devotees hope to see Lord Krishna honoured in a similar way in Mathura,” he said.
At the same time, he stressed that the organisation favours pursuing its objectives through constitutional and legal channels rather than through direct action.
Members of the Muslim community reacted strongly to the controversial remarks, arguing that calls invoking the demolition of Babri Masjid were inappropriate and could inflame communal tensions.
Community representatives said religious disputes should be handled through dialogue, legal mechanisms and constitutional institutions rather than provocative public appeals.
Many residents in Mathura have also appealed for calm, noting that the city has a long history of coexistence among different religious communities.
With the dispute still pending before the courts, political observers say statements from religious leaders on either side are likely to attract scrutiny.
For now, the VHP’s decision to distance itself from the remarks has highlighted differences within sections of the Hindu movement over how the issue should be pursued.
As legal proceedings continue, local authorities are expected to keep a close watch on developments to ensure that peace and public order are maintained in the sensitive religious city of Mathura.
