Broken idols brought from outside: UP CM Yogi amid row over Manikarnika Ghat renovation
The recent redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat in Uttar Pradesh 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. The Chief Minister’s statements have added fuel to the fire, with the opposition attacking the government over the alleged destruction of the Rani Ahilyabai Holkar statue.
The Manikarnika Ghat, located in Varanasi, is one of the most sacred ghats in India, and its redevelopment has been a topic of discussion for several years. The government has been working on a project to renovate and beautify the ghat, which includes the construction of new amenities and infrastructure. However, the opposition parties have alleged that the government is destroying historical idols and statues in the process, which has sparked widespread outrage.
According to the opposition, the government’s actions are a blatant attempt to erase India’s cultural heritage. They claim that the government is more interested in promoting its own agenda than in preserving the country’s rich history. The opposition has also accused the government of being insensitive to the feelings of the people, who are deeply attached to the historical idols and statues.
However, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has denied these allegations, stating that broken idols were brought from outside to malign India’s heritage. “It is being claimed that idols are being demolished. There cannot be a bigger lie than this,” he said. The Chief Minister’s statements have been supported by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has accused the opposition of spreading false propaganda.
The BJP has stated that the government is committed to preserving India’s cultural heritage and that the redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat is being carried out with utmost care and sensitivity. The party has also accused the opposition of politicizing the issue and trying to create unrest among the people.
One of the most contentious issues in the controversy is the alleged destruction of the Rani Ahilyabai Holkar statue. The opposition has accused the government of deliberately destroying the statue, which is a historical landmark. However, the government has denied these allegations, stating that the statue was not destroyed and is still intact.
The controversy has sparked widespread outrage, with many people taking to social media to express their anger and disappointment. The hashtag #SaveManikarnikaGhat has been trending on Twitter, with many users accusing the government of being insensitive to the feelings of the people.
The issue has also been raised in the state assembly, with opposition parties demanding that the government take immediate action to preserve the historical idols and statues. The opposition has also demanded that the government provide a detailed account of the redevelopment project and the steps being taken to preserve the cultural heritage of the state.
In conclusion, the controversy over the redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat has sparked a heated debate, with the opposition accusing the government of destroying historical idols and statues. However, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has denied these allegations, stating that broken idols were brought from outside to malign India’s heritage. The issue is likely to continue to be a topic of discussion in the coming days, with the opposition and the government locked in a bitter battle over the preservation of India’s cultural heritage.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it is essential to consider the facts and not jump to conclusions. The government has a responsibility to preserve the cultural heritage of the state, and it is essential that they take all necessary steps to ensure that historical idols and statues are protected.
Ultimately, the redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat should be carried out in a way that preserves the cultural heritage of the state, while also promoting the economic development of the region. The government must work with the opposition and other stakeholders to find a solution that benefits everyone and ensures that the historical idols and statues are protected for future generations.
News Source: https://x.com/PTI_News/status/2012458022187192360
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