Broken idols brought from outside: UP CM Yogi amid row over Manikarnika Ghat renovation
The ongoing redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi has sparked a major controversy, with opposition parties and locals alleging that the government is destroying historical idols and statues in the process. However, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has come out strongly in defense of his government, claiming that broken idols were brought from outside to malign India’s heritage.
According to CM Yogi, the allegations of idol demolition are completely baseless and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public. “It is being claimed that idols are being demolished. There cannot be a bigger lie than this,” he said, emphasizing that his government is committed to preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage.
The controversy erupted after reports surfaced that several idols and statues, including the Rani Ahilyabai Holkar statue, were being destroyed or removed as part of the renovation project. The opposition was quick to pounce on the issue, attacking the government for its alleged disregard for India’s history and culture.
The Rani Ahilyabai Holkar statue, in particular, has become a focal point of the controversy. The statue, which is said to be over a century old, was reportedly removed from the ghat and shifted to a nearby location, sparking outrage among locals and opposition parties.
The opposition has accused the government of being insensitive to the cultural and historical significance of the statue and the ghat. They have demanded that the government take immediate action to restore the statue to its original location and ensure that the renovation project is carried out in a sensitive and respectful manner.
However, CM Yogi has maintained that the government is committed to preserving the cultural heritage of Varanasi and that the renovation project is being carried out with the utmost care and respect. He has also accused the opposition of politicizing the issue and trying to create unrest in the state.
The controversy has sparked a wider debate about the importance of preserving India’s cultural heritage and the need for sensitive and respectful renovation projects. While the government has emphasized its commitment to preserving the cultural significance of the ghat, the opposition has raised important questions about the need for transparency and accountability in such projects.
As the controversy continues to simmer, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the opposition’s demands and ensure that the renovation project is carried out in a manner that respects the cultural and historical significance of the ghat.
In the meantime, the people of Varanasi and India as a whole will be watching the situation closely, hoping that the government will take the necessary steps to preserve the cultural heritage of the city and the country.
The controversy over the Manikarnika Ghat renovation project has also raised important questions about the role of the government in preserving cultural heritage. While the government has a critical role to play in ensuring that historical sites and monuments are protected and preserved, it is also important for the government to engage with local communities and stakeholders to ensure that renovation projects are carried out in a sensitive and respectful manner.
Ultimately, the preservation of India’s cultural heritage requires a collaborative effort from the government, local communities, and civil society. By working together, we can ensure that our cultural heritage is protected and preserved for future generations to enjoy.
In conclusion, the controversy over the Manikarnika Ghat renovation project has highlighted the importance of preserving India’s cultural heritage and the need for sensitive and respectful renovation projects. While the government has emphasized its commitment to preserving the cultural significance of the ghat, the opposition has raised important questions about the need for transparency and accountability in such projects.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential that the government takes the necessary steps to address the concerns of the opposition and local communities, and ensures that the renovation project is carried out in a manner that respects the cultural and historical significance of the ghat.
Source: https://x.com/PTI_News/status/2012458022187192360
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