By Team Clarion
MATHURA – The air of religious celebration in Mathura has turned tense as Dinesh Falahari, a prominent Hindutva leader and main petitioner in the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple case, has called for a complete ban on Muslim participation in Pandit Dhirendra Shastri’s pilgrimage.
Falahari, in a letter to Shastri, claimed that Muslims have “illegally occupied” the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple and demanded that until this “illegal occupation” is removed, Muslims should not be allowed to join any Sanatan Yatra. This move has immediately raised concerns among the Muslim community, who view the statement as a direct attempt to disrupt the longstanding Ganga-Jamuni cultural harmony of the region.
Speaking to local reporters, a senior community leader expressed alarm, saying, “This is not just a call for exclusion, it is a threat to our identity and safety. Muslims have lived peacefully in Mathura for generations. Such statements create fear and division where none should exist.”
Minority groups across Uttar Pradesh have repeatedly faced pressure and boycott during religious festivals, and this latest demand has reignited fears of communal targeting. Observers note that such inflammatory rhetoric could have serious repercussions, especially in a state that has historically prided itself on religious coexistence.
Dinesh Falahari’s letter further questioned the loyalty and credibility of Muslims, asserting that “these same people had expelled Sanatani Hindu brothers from Kashmir” and could infiltrate the yatra to “hatch a major conspiracy.” Falahari suggested that only those Muslims who convert to Sanatan Dharma could participate in Bageshwar Maharaj’s yatra.
These remarks have sparked outrage and call for accountability from civil society groups. A local activist stated, “It is worrying that a person involved in legal disputes over temples is making statements that directly disturb communal harmony. The government must act and prevent any escalation of violence.”
With communal sentiments on edge, all eyes are now on authorities to respond to Falahari’s claims and ensure that the safety and dignity of minority communities are upheld.
This story was originally published in clarionindia.net.