Will hyper pitch on religious tourism bear fruits for BJP in Mathura?

AGRA: Mathura-Vrindavan, the land of Lord Krishna, had never got so much government’s attention, as it has been getting in the past two years. A slew of projects to promote religious tourism in these twin towns have been launched, not only to give them a facelift but also enforce the Hindutava credentials of the BJP governments, both in the state and the centre.

The BJP may be hoping that it’s Hindu card will fetch votes for it but voters are divided over the issue. While the people residing in urban areas of these two towns are happy with the infrastructure projects that are underway, those in the hinterlands are not much enamoured about them.

Being the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Mathura, along with Ayodhya and Varanasi, has remained high on the agenda of right wing organisations. Mahavir Mittal, who hails from Masani area of Mathura, says that “religious” tourism was never a priority for the previous governments.

“The way religious tourism has been promoted in the last couple of years, is unprecedented and every resident is proud of it”, he says adding that the government had made the twin-towns a Municipal Corporation, which means more funds for development .

Ajay Kant Garg, a businessman in Krishna Nagar, said its night time that someone really started talking about “Dharam” and took steps to improve the infrastructure of these holy towns. He said though a lot remains to be done, several projects are underway and funds have been available like never before.

District Laws officer, Chandra Mohan Agarwal, a resident of Nabada area told TOI that awareness about the culture among the masses has increased due to the efforts of the government. “By declaring five towns as teerth sthals (pilgrimage sites), the government has respected the sentiments of Hindus,” said Agarwal, adding development of religious sites was never on the agenda of the earlier regimes.

In contrast, the people in rural areas, which incidentally account for 70% population of these two towns, feel that these steps have not improved their lives in any manner. The rural pollution in Mathura comprises mainly of Jaats, Thakurs, Brahmins, Scheduled Castes, and to some extent, Muslims and Vaishyas.

Pritam Singh, a Jat from Govardhan area, said that these projects have no advantage for the farmers and labours? “Celebrating holi and inviting different states’ chief ministers is just a hyped event. If the government really wants to do something for the public then resolve basic problems of water issues, traffic, cattle menace,” said Singh.

Another resident of the same area, Jagpal Singh said that it is good that religious tourism is being promoted but that would changes the lives of rural Mathura. “Our problems are still the same and no one bothers to hear us,” said Singh while admitting that the power supply situation had however improved.

Many projects have been sanctioned under UP Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad (UPBTVP) for revival of old heritage of Brij Mandal. These include beautification and restoration of Surya Kund under tehsil Govardhan and Brhamand ghat at Mahavan, Jubilee park, construction of open amphitheatre at Dampen Nagar, construction of rest room and tourist facility centre at Barsana.

While it remains to be seen whether these developmental projects of religious importance would translate into votes in favour of BJP candidate, Hema Malini, who is going all out to encash upon them. In every public meeting, Hema makes is a point to mentions her “divine connection” with the city of Lord Krishna and speaks about the projects undertaken by her government to revive the old heritage of Braj mandal.