Mathura residents, priests frown upon Hema Malini's reported comment regarding Bankey Bihari corridor

Mathura: Local residents and priests have frowned upon Mathura MP Hema Malini's reported comment regarding the proposed Bankey Bihari corridor.

In a video, Hema Malini can be heard purportedly saying, "We will build the corridor and those opposing, we may have to ask them to leave and go elsewhere." The reported statement has been met with outrage from various sections of the community here.

Gyanendra Kishor Goswami, a priest at the Bankey Bihari temple said, "Lord Krishna has his way of teaching people," he said, citing the story of Lord Krishna humbling Devraj Indra's pride.

"Hema ji should keep this in mind while asking us to leave Brijbhoomi." The proposed Bankey Bihari corridor aims to ease crowd pressure and improve facilities for devotees. However, locals, including the Goswami community and shopkeepers, fear displacement, loss of heritage, and disruption to the traditional character of Vrindavan.

Another priest Rasik Bihari Goswami expressed dismay at the MP's reported remark.

"She never came to speak to those who are affected by the plan to build the Bankey Bihari corridor, but so arrogantly asking us to leave," he remarked, further alleging that "They want to build the corridor for the benefit of certain affluent people." Local businessman Anil Gautam also voiced his disappointment.

"We elected her thrice from Mathura and Vrindavan with the hope that she would work for the benefit of people of the city, and now she is asking us to leave." Hema Malini's reported remark also drew criticism from a party leader.

Madhu Sharma, former Mathura district president of the BJP, stated, "We don't expect this kind of statement from our Member of Parliament." She asserted the deep roots of the local populace, saying, "The one who has come from outside has to leave... We are Brijwasi. We were born here and will die here." Sharma also questioned Hema Malini's priorities, suggesting that if similar urgency had been shown for the city's other problems, Vrindavan would have become a smart city by now.