Broken idols brought from outside: UP CM Yogi amid row over Manikarnika Ghat renovation
The redevelopment of the Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi has been at the center of a controversy, with allegations of destruction of idols and statues surfacing in recent days. The issue has sparked a heated debate, with the opposition attacking the government over the alleged destruction of the Rani Ahilyabai Holkar statue. However, in a recent statement, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has claimed that broken idols were brought from outside to malign India’s heritage.
According to the Chief Minister, the allegations of demolition of idols are baseless and a part of a larger conspiracy to tarnish the image of the country. “It is being claimed that idols are being demolished. There cannot be a bigger lie than this,” he said, emphasizing that the government is committed to preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage. The statement comes amid a row over the renovation of the Manikarnika Ghat, which is one of the most sacred ghats in Varanasi.
The Manikarnika Ghat is considered a sacred place for Hindus, where thousands of devotees come to take a dip in the Ganges River and perform various rituals. The ghat is also home to several ancient temples and idols, which are revered by the devotees. The redevelopment project aims to improve the infrastructure and facilities at the ghat, making it more accessible and convenient for the devotees. However, the project has been marred by controversy, with allegations of destruction of idols and statues surfacing in recent days.
The opposition has been quick to attack the government over the alleged destruction of the Rani Ahilyabai Holkar statue, which is said to be an important part of the state’s cultural heritage. The statue is believed to be over a century old and is revered by the locals. The opposition has accused the government of being insensitive to the state’s cultural heritage and has demanded that the government take immediate action to restore the statue.
However, the government has denied the allegations, saying that the statue was not destroyed during the renovation work. The government has also claimed that the statue was already in a damaged condition and was not a part of the renovation project. The government has assured that all necessary steps are being taken to preserve and protect the state’s cultural heritage, including the idols and statues at the Manikarnika Ghat.
The controversy over the Manikarnika Ghat renovation has sparked a larger debate about the preservation of cultural heritage in India. The country is home to a rich and diverse cultural heritage, with numerous ancient temples, monuments, and artifacts that are revered by people from all over the world. However, many of these cultural heritage sites are facing threats from development projects, pollution, and neglect.
The government has a crucial role to play in preserving and promoting the country’s cultural heritage. The government must take all necessary steps to ensure that development projects are carried out in a way that respects and preserves the cultural heritage of the country. This includes conducting thorough impact assessments, consulting with local communities and stakeholders, and taking measures to mitigate any adverse effects on the cultural heritage sites.
In addition, the government must also take steps to raise awareness about the importance of preserving cultural heritage. This can be done through education and outreach programs, which can help to promote a sense of ownership and responsibility among the local communities. The government must also work with private organizations and civil society groups to support conservation efforts and promote cultural heritage tourism.
In conclusion, the controversy over the Manikarnika Ghat renovation has highlighted the need for a more nuanced approach to development projects that involve cultural heritage sites. The government must take all necessary steps to preserve and promote the country’s rich cultural heritage, while also ensuring that development projects are carried out in a way that respects and benefits local communities. As the Chief Minister has said, broken idols brought from outside cannot be used to malign India’s heritage, and it is the responsibility of all stakeholders to work together to preserve and promote the country’s cultural heritage.
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