PTI file photo
NEW DELHI: The controversy over Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi has intensified as the opposition attacked the BJP-led state government over the demolition and clearing drive at one of Hinduism’s most sacred cremation grounds.The drive, carried out as part of a beautification and strengthening project, involved the use of heavy machinery to remove encroachments and old structures.The issue quickly turned political after opposition leaders alleged that ancient heritage and religious symbols were damaged during the process.The Uttar Pradesh government and BJP leaders have denied these claims, saying the work is aimed at protecting heritage, improving safety, and correcting years of neglect. Police have also registered FIRs over what they describe as misleading information circulating online.
What’s the controversy
- The controversy began after a demolition and clearing drive at Manikarnika Ghat as part of a beautification and strengthening project.
- Heavy machinery was used to remove encroachments and old structures at the site. During the process, several ancient idols and artefacts were reportedly found.
- Claims and images circulated on social media alleging damage to temples and statues, including that of Ahilyadevi Holkar.
- Uttar Pradesh Police registered eight FIRs at Chowk Police Station in Varanasi over AI-generated images and alleged misleading information related to the project.
- Local authorities said these idols and artefacts have been secured by the culture department and will be reinstalled after construction is completed.
Who said what
- Congress leader Nana Patole on Tuesday said the demolition drive was an insult to Hindus and accused the BJP of destroying age-old heritage at Manikarnika Ghat. Patole announced he would visit the ghat and hold a protest, alleging that a tourist spot was being created in the name of a corridor.
- Mallikarjun Kharge criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleging that the move was aimed at erasing historical heritage in order to “simply affix” his own nameplate. “You have committed the crime of demolishing the rare ancient heritage of Manikarnika Ghat, which was described in the Gupta period and later restored by Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, under the pretext of renovation,” Kharge said in a post on X.
- Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also criticised the government, saying that destroying the country’s religious and historical heritage in the name of development to serve the commercial interests of a few individuals was a “grave sin.”
- Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav posted a before-and-after images on X that he claimed showed a damaged statue, captioned: “Statue of Ahilyabai was found buried under debris.”
- BSP chief Mayawati expressed concern over reports of the removal of Ahilyadevi Holkar’s statue and said the issue had angered large sections of society. In a post on X, SHE said, “The news of the removal of Ahilyabai Holkar’s statue in Varanasi has not only sparked widespread discussion but has also caused considerable anger and resentment among a large section of the society.
- Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath warned of “strict action” against those spreading misinformation alleging that the scale of development in Varanasi had unsettled the Congress and its allies.“Kashi today is witnessing unprecedented development,” with projects worth over Rs 55,000 crore implemented so far, beginning with the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Corridor. He claimed earlier attempts were also made to mislead people by showing broken idols, but said “the truth is before everyone now,” noting that daily devotees had risen to 1–1.5 lakh from 10,000–15,000 earlier. Calling the allegations over Manikarnika Ghat “baseless,” Adityanath said the people of Kashi were aware of the facts and stood with the development works.
