'After Nandi Baba, Krishna now adamant': Yogi Adityanath hints at BJP's plans for Kashi, Mathura disputed

Adityanath's “Krishna is adamant” comment is a clear reference to the Krishna Janmabhoomi case. Hindus believe that the 17th century Shahi Idgah Mosque in Mathura stands on the same site where Lord Krishna was born.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Major hints were given on Sunday about the BJP's next big temple agenda, suggesting that the saffron party could next pursue the Kashi and Mathura (Gyanvapi) disputes.

“Nandi Baba (the divine bull of Lord Shiva) became adamant after witnessing the celebrations in Ayodhya and threw open the barricades at night. Now our Krishna Kanhaiya is adamant,” Adityanath said while speaking in the state assembly.

In an apparent reference to the dispute over the Gyanvapi Mosque – where Hindu rituals were performed in the basement of the complex last week after almost three decades, following a court order – Adityanath said: “Nandi Baba” (the divine bull of Lord Shiva ), threw open the barricades for the night.

Adityanath was referring to Hindu prayers performed at the mosque complex known as 'Vyas Ka Tahkhana' at 3 am on the orders of the court. In particular, the basement overlooks the Nandi idol in the adjacent Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

'Krishna is now adamant'

The Gyanvapi Mosque complex recently made headlines after an ASI investigative report revealed that the structure was built on top of a pre-existing Hindu temple – a claim refuted by the Muslim side, which is waging a legal battle against Hindu petitioners.

Adityanath's 'Krishna is adamant' comment is a clear reference to the Krishna Janmabhoomi case. Hindus believe that the 17th century Shahi Idgah Mosque in Mathura stands on the same site where Lord Krishna was born. An archaeological survey of the site has been approved by the Allahabad High Court.

Adityanath's fiery comments give a clear picture of the BJP's priority list, suggesting that after Ayodhya, the saffron party plans to throw their weight behind the disputed locations of Kashi (Varanasi) and Mathura.

Krishna asked for 5 villages, Hindus ask for 3 faith centers

Quoting the Mahabharata, Adityanath said that Krishna in the Hindu epic had asked for five villages, while today's Hindus only ask for the three centers of faith, adding that Hindu society has spent years defending its beliefs “pleaded”.

The UP CM alleged that Ayodhya faced curfews and bans during the previous government.

“Ayodhya was the victim of nefarious intentions and faced injustice for centuries. And when we talk about injustice, I have to talk about the injustice that took place 5,000 years ago and that the Pandavas had faced,” Adityanath said in another reference to the Mahabharata.

“During the Mahabharata, Krishna went to the Kauravas and looked for only five villages. Krishna told them to keep the rest to yourself. But Duryodhan didn't even give him that.'

“The same has happened to Ayodhya, Kashi, Mathura…Krishna wanted five villages and Hindu society has sought only three centers which are the centers of our faith.

“These (Ayodhya, Kashi, Mathura) are very special to our faith. There is a determination and when politics interferes, there will be division,” Adityanath said.

'Mandir wahi banaya'

Speaking about the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, Adityanath said everyone in the country was happy to see Lord Ram returning home.

“This is the first time in the world that Lord Ram Lalla himself had to provide proof of his own existence. But this teaches us perseverance… We were happy not only because Lord Ram found his place, but also because we stuck to our words… mandir wahi banaya… We don't just talk. We do what we say,” Adityanath said.