Mumbai: Hindu organisations have initiated a signature campaign, appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal to fast-track the court hearings in the Kashi Gyanvapi and Mathura Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi disputes. These groups argue that the cases hold immense historical, religious, and social significance, and their resolution is vital for the cultural identity of Hindus.
The appeal, led by groups including the Hindu Janjagruti Sangh, describes the restoration of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi and the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura as matters of national importance. “Temples have always been central to Sanatan Dharma and play a crucial role in preserving Bharatiya culture and traditions,” the letter reads.
The letter highlights historical evidence indicating that the Kashi Vishwanath Temple was demolished in 1669 during the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who allegedly built the Gyanvapi mosque on its remnants. Similarly, it notes that the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple was destroyed in 1670 under Aurangzeb’s orders. A study by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is said to support claims of a temple’s existence beneath the Gyanvapi mosque site.
Citing the protracted legal battle over the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, which took over seven decades to resolve, the groups expressed concerns over potential delays in these cases. “Kashi and Mathura are as emotionally significant to Hindus as the Ram Mandir. Hindus hope the resolution of these cases does not take as long,” the letter states.
The signature campaign aims to underscore the urgency of these disputes and their deep resonance with the Hindu community. With thousands of signatures already collected, the groups hope to bring attention to what they see as a pivotal moment in the struggle to reclaim sites of historical and spiritual importance.
