Broken idols brought from outside: UP CM Yogi amid row over Manikarnika Ghat renovation
The recent redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi has sparked a controversy, with allegations of destruction of ancient idols and statues. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has now weighed in on the issue, claiming that broken idols were brought from outside to malign India’s heritage. The statement comes after opposition parties attacked the government over the alleged destruction of the Rani Ahilyabai Holkar statue.
According to CM Yogi, the allegations of idol demolition are baseless and a part of a larger conspiracy to tarnish India’s image. “It is being claimed that idols are being demolished. There cannot be a bigger lie than this,” he said. The Chief Minister asserted that the redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat is being carried out with utmost care and respect for the site’s cultural and historical significance.
The controversy began when reports emerged of ancient idols and statues being destroyed or removed from the ghat during the redevelopment process. Opposition parties, including the Congress and the Samajwadi Party, were quick to criticize the government for its alleged disregard for India’s cultural heritage. The opposition claimed that the government was more interested in pursuing its own agenda than in preserving the country’s rich history.
One of the most contentious issues is the alleged destruction of the Rani Ahilyabai Holkar statue. The statue, which was installed at the ghat, was reportedly removed during the redevelopment process. The opposition has attacked the government for its alleged failure to protect the statue, which is seen as an important part of India’s cultural heritage.
However, the government has maintained that the statue was not destroyed, but rather relocated to a nearby site. The government has also claimed that the redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat is being carried out in accordance with the principles of sustainable development and cultural preservation.
The controversy has sparked a wider debate about the importance of preserving India’s cultural heritage. Many have argued that the government has a responsibility to protect and preserve the country’s ancient monuments and historical sites. Others have pointed out that the government’s priorities seem to be misplaced, with more emphasis being placed on development and infrastructure projects than on cultural preservation.
The issue has also raised questions about the role of the government in preserving cultural heritage. While the government has a responsibility to protect and preserve historical sites, it is also important to balance this with the need for development and progress. The redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat is seen as an important part of the government’s efforts to promote tourism and economic growth in the region.
In this context, CM Yogi’s statement that broken idols were brought from outside to malign India’s heritage is significant. The Chief Minister’s assertion that the allegations of idol demolition are baseless suggests that the government is confident that it has taken all necessary steps to preserve the cultural and historical significance of the site.
However, the opposition remains unconvinced. The Congress and the Samajwadi Party have continued to attack the government over the alleged destruction of the Rani Ahilyabai Holkar statue and other ancient idols. The opposition has also demanded that the government take immediate action to protect and preserve India’s cultural heritage.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it is clear that the issue of cultural preservation is an important one. The government must balance its priorities and ensure that development and progress are not pursued at the expense of India’s rich cultural heritage. The people of India have a right to expect that their government will protect and preserve the country’s historical sites and monuments, and it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that this is done.
In conclusion, the controversy over the redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat has raised important questions about the importance of preserving India’s cultural heritage. While the government has maintained that it is committed to protecting and preserving the country’s historical sites, the opposition has raised concerns about the alleged destruction of ancient idols and statues. As the debate continues, it is clear that the issue of cultural preservation is one that will continue to be contentious.
News Source: https://x.com/PTI_News/status/2012458022187192360
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