Vrindavan, 2017.05.28 (VT): The replacement of a statue of Shri Krishna with a statue of Shri Agrasen Maharaj has created a stir throughout Vrindavan. The municipal government’s switching of the statues has been condemned by many as an attempt to create tension between caste communities in Vrindavan.
A large crowd formed at Mohan Park, in front of Mirzapur Dharmashala, when Brajwasis noticed Lord Krishna’s statue had gone missing. BSP leader Yogesh Kumar Dwivedi broke the lock of the park and the crowd entered, chanting slogans demanding Lord Krishna’s image be brought back. From there, the protest reached the police headquarters where the Brajwasis registered their complaint. After getting assurance from the police that their demands would be heard by government higher-ups, the crowd dispersed.
Mr. Sudhir Shukla commented, “At the gateway of Vrindavan, just after Munger Mandir lies the Mirzapur Dharmashala. It is just at the T-point where the road diverges into two: one that goes to the old city and the train station, and the other that leads to Rangji mandir and the bus stand. Before, a beautiful statue of Lord Krishna playing the flute looked over this place, and in the reddish light of evening, it seemed as if the Lord Himself was standing there to personally welcome pilgrims to the city. The scene was absolutely stunning, enhanced by the blossming flowers of the temple garden. But now the municipality, in the mad rush for development, has desolated the place. The statue of Lord Krishna is gone, and in His place, on His throne, some other statue has been placed, wrapped in plastic.
“I only found out later on social media whose statue it was,” he added.
Many organizations and prominent community members are continuing the protest via social media. Meanwhile, the Assistant Commissioner of the Nagar Nigam, Mr. Brajesh Kumar, said that he had not been informed of the matter previously, and that if any rules were found to have been broken, the old statue would be brought back.
Sumit Gautam, Narayan Bauhare, Shivam Gautam, Ashok Kumar, Yogendra Tiwari, Udayan Sharma, Dheeraj Gautam, Govind Baghel, Rishabhdev Upadhyay, Vinay Kumar, Dabbu Pandit, Ishu Sharma, Motu Sharma, Govind Guru, Naveen Tentiwala, Lav Saksena, Annu Pandit, Lakki Pandit, Shatrughna Hemant, Ankit Vashrne, and others were present at the protest.
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