NEW DELHI: As the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya draws close, the Braj region associated with Lord Krishna and Mirabai also appears to be heading towards similar prominence with the BJP governments at the Centre and in UP collaborating on an ambitious development project that will cover parts of western UP, Rajasthan and Haryana.The process, which started with the setting up of 'Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad', appeared to have gathered full force on Thursday when PM Narendra Modi reached Vrindavan to participate in the 525th birth anniversary of Mirabai, the Bhakti saint and ardent Krishna devotee.PM Modi set to grace Braj Raj Utsav in Vrindavan amidst colourful preparations"We are moving forward with a sense of pride in our heritage.

Today, Vishwanath Dham is in front of us in a grand form in Kashi.

Divinity as well as grandeur can be seen at the Mahakal temple of Ujjain.

Lakhs of people are getting blessed by having the darshan of Kedarnath ji in Kedarghati.

And now, the date of inauguration of Lord Shri Ram's temple in Ayodhya has also come," Modi said, speaking at an event where yesteryears star and MP Hema Malini performed."Mathura and Braj will not be left behind in this race of development.

The day is not far when God will be seen with more divinity and grandeur in the Braj region also," he added.The PM lamented that Mathura did not get the attention it deserved as people devoid of a sense of India's glorious past could not rid themselves of the mentality of slavery and kept Braj Bhoomi deprived of development.The focus on Mathura coincides with fervent activism by Hindu groups to claim ownership of the Krishna Janmabhoomi land where Shahi Idgah is currently located even though BJP and the government have kept distance from the dispute.

The PM's participation is significant also from the point of view of Rajasthan polls as Mirabai hailed from the Mewar region of Rajasthan.Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad, formed for the region's integrated development, is handling projects worth Rs 425 crore.