Broken idols brought from outside: UP CM Yogi amid row over Manikarnika Ghat renovation
The recent renovation of the Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi has sparked a controversy, with opposition parties alleging that the government is destroying historical idols and statues in the process. However, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has come out strongly against these claims, stating that broken idols were brought from outside to malign India’s heritage. In a statement, the CM said, “It is being claimed that idols are being demolished. There cannot be a bigger lie than this.”
The controversy began when reports emerged that several idols and statues, including the Rani Ahilyabai Holkar statue, were being destroyed as part of the redevelopment project. The opposition parties were quick to attack the government, accusing them of being insensitive to the country’s cultural heritage. However, the government has maintained that the renovation is being carried out to improve the overall infrastructure of the ghat and to provide better facilities to the devotees.
The Manikarnika Ghat is one of the most sacred ghats in Varanasi, and it is considered a sacred place for Hindus. The ghat is named after the goddess Manikarnika, who is believed to have emerged from the cosmic ocean. The ghat has a rich history, and it has been an important center of spiritual and cultural activities for centuries. The renovation project aims to preserve the ghat’s cultural and historical significance while also providing modern amenities to the devotees.
However, the opposition parties have alleged that the government is not taking adequate steps to preserve the historical idols and statues. They have accused the government of being more interested in promoting its own brand of politics rather than protecting the country’s cultural heritage. The opposition parties have also demanded that the government should stop the renovation project immediately and conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations of destruction of historical idols and statues.
In response to these allegations, the UP CM has stated that the government is committed to preserving the country’s cultural heritage. He has said that the renovation project is being carried out with the utmost care and respect for the historical idols and statues. The CM has also accused the opposition parties of trying to politicize the issue and create unnecessary controversy.
The controversy over the Manikarnika Ghat renovation has sparked a wider debate about the importance of preserving cultural heritage in India. Many experts have pointed out that the country’s cultural heritage is not just limited to historical idols and statues but also includes the intangible aspects of culture such as music, dance, and traditions. They have argued that the government should take a more holistic approach to preserving cultural heritage, rather than just focusing on physical structures.
The issue has also highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in government projects. Many people have questioned the lack of transparency in the renovation project, and the government’s failure to provide adequate information about the project to the public. The opposition parties have demanded that the government should provide more information about the project, including the details of the idols and statues that are being removed or relocated.
In conclusion, the controversy over the Manikarnika Ghat renovation has highlighted the complexities of preserving cultural heritage in India. While the government has maintained that it is committed to preserving the country’s cultural heritage, the opposition parties have alleged that the government is not taking adequate steps to protect historical idols and statues. The issue has sparked a wider debate about the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the need for greater transparency and accountability in government projects.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the allegations and concerns raised by the opposition parties and the public. One thing is certain, however, that the preservation of cultural heritage is a critical issue that requires careful consideration and attention.
Source: https://x.com/PTI_News/status/2012458022187192360
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