By Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — A fresh controversy has surfaced in Uttar Pradesh after a Hindutva-linked religious organisation demanded a ban on Muslim traders and shopkeepers from participating in the upcoming Adhik Maas fair in Govardhan, Mathura.
The demand was made by Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas president Pandit Dinesh Falahari Maharaj, who wrote a letter to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath seeking restrictions on Muslim vendors during the month-long religious gathering held at the foothills of Govardhan hill.
The letter has triggered sharp reactions from Muslim groups, civil rights activists and local traders, who described the demand as discriminatory and harmful to communal harmony.
Govardhan, one of the most important pilgrimage centres linked to Lord Krishna, attracts lakhs of devotees from across India during the Adhik Maas fair. The event also supports the livelihood of hundreds of local traders, food stall owners, flower sellers and small business families.
In his letter, Falahari Maharaj alleged that Muslim traders enter the fair by “changing their identity and appearance” and claimed that some individuals become involved in businesses related to food stalls, prasad shops and flower garlands.
He further alleged that such participation hurts Hindu religious sentiments. The letter also repeated controversial claims such as “thook jihad” and raised fears of “love jihad” and possible security threats at the fair.
The religious leader demanded that only “Sanatani” traders should be allowed to conduct business during the fair and that identity verification of all vendors should be made compulsory.
This story was originally published in clarionindia.net. Read the full story here.