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 ancient idols and heritage sites. However, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has come to the defense of his government, claiming that broken idols were brought from outside to malign India’s heritage. In a statement, the Chief Minister said, “It is being claimed that idols are being demolished. There cannot be a bigger lie than this.”
The controversy began when opposition parties, including the Congress and the Samajwadi Party, accused the government of destroying the Rani Ahilyabai Holkar statue, a 19th-century monument, during the redevelopment of the Manikarnika Ghat. The opposition parties claimed that the government was trying to erase the country’s cultural heritage and that the demolition of the statue was a clear example of the government’s disregard for India’s history.
However, the Chief Minister has denied these allegations, stating that the government is committed to preserving the country’s cultural heritage. He claimed that the broken idols that were found at the site were brought from outside to create a controversy and malign the government. The Chief Minister’s statement has sparked a heated debate, with opposition parties accusing him of trying to cover up the government’s mistakes.
The Manikarnika Ghat is one of the most sacred ghats in Varanasi, and its redevelopment is a part of the government’s plan to promote tourism and improve the city’s infrastructure. The ghat is believed to be the place where the Hindu deity Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati lived, and it is considered a sacred site by millions of Hindus around the world.
The redevelopment of the ghat includes the construction of new amenities such as toilets, changing rooms, and a parking lot. The government has also announced plans to build a new temple and a museum at the site, which will showcase the history and culture of the region.
However, the opposition parties have accused the government of not consulting with local stakeholders and experts before starting the redevelopment project. They have also alleged that the government is trying to commercialize the ghat and that the redevelopment project will destroy the site’s cultural and historical significance.
The controversy over the Manikarnika Ghat renovation is not an isolated incident. In recent years, there have been several instances of cultural and historical sites being destroyed or damaged during redevelopment projects. The opposition parties have accused the government of being insensitive to the country’s cultural heritage and of prioritizing development over preservation.
The issue has also sparked a debate about the role of the government in preserving cultural heritage sites. While the government has a responsibility to promote development and improve infrastructure, it also has a duty to protect the country’s cultural and historical sites.
In this context, the Chief Minister’s statement that broken idols were brought from outside to malign the government’s reputation is significant. If true, it would suggest that there are forces that are trying to create controversy and undermine the government’s efforts to preserve the country’s cultural heritage.
However, the opposition parties have demanded a thorough investigation into the matter and have accused the government of trying to cover up its mistakes. They have also demanded that the government take steps to protect the country’s cultural heritage sites and ensure that redevelopment projects are carried out in a sensitive and sustainable manner.
In conclusion, the controversy over the Manikarnika Ghat renovation is a complex issue that involves not just the preservation of cultural heritage sites but also the role of the government in promoting development and protecting the country’s history. While the Chief Minister has denied allegations of destroying ancient idols, the opposition parties have accused the government of being insensitive to the country’s cultural heritage.
As the debate continues, it is essential to ensure that the government takes steps to protect the country’s cultural and historical sites and that redevelopment projects are carried out in a sensitive and sustainable manner. The government must also consult with local stakeholders and experts to ensure that the cultural and historical significance of the site is preserved.
News Source: https://x.com/PTI_News/status/2012458022187192360
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