Congress MLA Aradhana Misra backs protest against Banke Bihari Corridor
After visiting the temple, the Rampur Khas MLA said, "I am saddened that the Goswami families, descendants of Swami Haridas, are protesting. The Banke Bihari Temple and Vrindavan are part of the living traditions and faith of the Hindu community."
She added, "No one is against Vrindavan's development, but its originality and divinity must not be disturbed. The Congress will raise this issue in the Vidhan Sabha and fully support the protest against the corridor, which has been brought without consulting locals."
The protest has been ongoing for over a month, triggered by the formation of the Shri Banke Bihari Ji Mandir Nyas Trust following a Supreme Court ruling on May 15 that approved the ₹500 crore redevelopment project. The 18-member trust — comprising 11 nominated and seven ex-officio members, including two from the Goswami community — will oversee temple rituals, priest appointments, devotee safety, and construction of the corridor.
While the state govt says the trust will preserve religious practices, the Shebaits, who have managed the temple since 1862, fear their traditional authority is being undermined. Locals believe that around 275 families, including 200 shopkeepers, may be displaced. Flats in Rukmini Vihar and Sunrakh Bangar have been earmarked for rehabilitation, with compensation and alternate shop space promised.
The project gained momentum after a stampede-like incident during Janmashtami celebrations in 2022 killed two devotees. In September 2023, the Allahabad High Court directed the state to implement a corridor plan to improve crowd safety and access. Following local backlash, CM Yogi Adityanath's adviser, Awanish Kumar Awasthi, has begun consultations with priests, residents, and traders.
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