Listen to the article
Political tensions have escalated in Uttar Pradesh over the Manikarnika Ghat redevelopment project in Varanasi, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath forcefully rejecting allegations that sacred idols and heritage structures were damaged during construction work.
During a media briefing on Monday, Adityanath accused political opponents, particularly the Congress party, of orchestrating a “false propaganda” campaign designed to create public unrest and undermine the project’s legitimacy.
“There are some people who try to defame Kashi,” Adityanath said, referring to Varanasi by its ancient name. “Broken idols are being brought from outside, and images are being posted on social media to spread confusion. It is being claimed that idols are being demolished. There cannot be a bigger lie than this.”
The controversy ignited after videos showing bulldozers operating at Manikarnika Ghat, one of Varanasi’s oldest and most sacred cremation sites, went viral on social media platforms. These images prompted immediate protests from local community groups, particularly the Pal Samaj Samiti.
Protesters claim that several important structures, including a century-old temple associated with Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar—the 18th century ruler revered for reconstructing many of Varanasi’s temples and ghats—have been damaged during excavation work. The Congress party quickly amplified these concerns, suggesting that the redevelopment represents an erasure of the city’s historical heritage.
Manikarnika Ghat holds profound religious significance for Hindus as one of the most auspicious sites for cremation, believed to offer moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth). The ghat’s history dates back thousands of years and features prominently in Hindu religious texts.
Adityanath drew parallels between the current controversy and earlier opposition to the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2021. That project, which created a spacious complex connecting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to the River Ganges, also faced criticism during its development but has since been praised for improving pilgrim access.
“The Congress is spreading false propaganda. The government will not tolerate anyone who uses AI videos to provoke public emotions,” Adityanath warned, suggesting that some circulating footage may have been digitally manipulated. “We do not need lessons from the Congress.”
Local district authorities have attempted to calm tensions by assuring that any idols or artifacts discovered during the excavation process have been carefully preserved and will be reinstalled once construction is complete.
According to government officials, the redevelopment project aims to address practical challenges that have long plagued Manikarnika Ghat, particularly during monsoon season when rising river levels frequently submerge the cremation platforms.
“During the monsoon, water fills the ghats, affecting the cremation of bodies,” Adityanath explained. “The work is being done so that the last rites can be performed with dignity and in a proper manner.”
The dispute highlights the complex balance between modernizing ancient religious sites while preserving their cultural and historical integrity—a challenge that has repeatedly surfaced across India as urban development projects intersect with sacred spaces.
Varanasi, represented in parliament by Prime Minister Modi, has seen extensive redevelopment over the past decade as part of the government’s Smart Cities Mission and religious tourism initiatives. While these projects have improved infrastructure and tourist facilities, they have also sparked debates about cultural preservation and local community displacement.
As the controversy continues to unfold, both state authorities and protest groups remain firmly entrenched in their positions, with the authenticity of the circulating images and videos becoming a central point of contention in this politically charged dispute.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
10 Comments
This appears to be a sensitive issue with valid concerns on both sides. On one hand, modernizing infrastructure is important for a growing city like Varanasi. But demolishing historic temples and cremation sites would be highly problematic. I hope the authorities can find a way to balance progress with preservation of cultural heritage.
Well said. Maintaining open communication with the local community will be crucial in navigating this situation constructively.
This seems like a complex issue with valid concerns on both sides. On one hand, preserving historic sites and religious structures is crucial. But cities also need to evolve and modernize infrastructure. Hopefully a middle ground can be found that respects the past while enabling necessary development.
Well said. Careful planning and open dialogue with stakeholders will be key to navigating this balance. Rushing ahead without community buy-in often leads to backlash.
Interesting to see the political tensions over this development project in Varanasi. While heritage preservation is important, it’s also critical to balance that with progress and modernization. Curious to hear more details on the specifics of what was demolished and how it was handled.
I agree, these types of redevelopment projects can be sensitive and controversial. It will be important for the authorities to engage transparently with the local community to address their concerns.
The chief minister’s dismissal of the demolition claims as ‘misinformation’ seems rather strong. While I understand the desire to push forward with development, there needs to be a thorough, impartial investigation to determine the facts. Allegations of sacred structures being damaged should not be taken lightly.
I agree, resorting to accusations of ‘false propaganda’ without a clear factual basis is concerning. An independent review would help bring transparency to this issue.
The chief minister’s forceful dismissal of the demolition claims raises some red flags. While I understand the desire to push development, sacred sites and religious structures should be treated with the utmost care and respect. An impartial investigation to verify the facts would help assuage concerns.
Agreed. Rushing to label the allegations as ‘misinformation’ without a transparent review process seems premature. Maintaining trust with the community should be a top priority.