Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, in a recent statement on social media platform 'X', accused the Samajwadi Party (SP) of hindering the construction of the Shri Krishna temple in Mathura. Maurya challenged SP chief Akhilesh Yadav to clarify his stance on the matter, alleging that the party prioritizes minority votes over the sentiments of the Hindu community.

Maurya emphasized that the SP seems to seek the support of Lord Krishna's descendants while opposing the construction of a temple at the revered birthplace of Shri Krishna. He urged Akhilesh Yadav to openly state whether he is influenced by external pressures, particularly mentioning Shri Azam Khan and his community.

This isn't the first time Maurya has raised this issue, as he had previously questioned Yadav's commitment to the Shri Krishna temple in 2021. Yadav had responded in January 2022, claiming that Lord Shri Krishna appeared in his dream and prophesied the formation of a socialist government.

The controversy surrounding the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah dispute remains unsettled in various courts. Allegations have been made in a case filed by Mahendra Pratap Singh and Rajendra Maheshwari, asserting that Mughal ruler Aurangzeb demolished the ancient Keshavdev temple during his reign, replacing it with the Idgah. The idols of "Thakurji" from the temple were allegedly buried under the stairs of the Begum Mosque in Agra.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who recently visited Mathura for the 'Meerabai Janmotsav,' expressed optimism about the development of Mathura and Braj, drawing parallels with the grand temples in Ayodhya and Kashi. Modi highlighted the establishment of the Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad for the region's development and praised its efforts for the convenience of devotees and overall pilgrimage development.