Broken idols brought from outside: UP CM Yogi amid row over Manikarnika Ghat renovation
The redevelopment of the Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi has been at the center of a controversy, with allegations of destruction of idols and historical structures. However, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has come out to defend the government’s actions, claiming that broken idols were brought from outside to malign India’s heritage. The controversy has sparked a heated debate, with opposition parties attacking the government over the alleged destruction of historical artifacts.
According to CM Yogi, the claims of idol demolition are baseless and a part of a larger conspiracy to defame the country’s rich cultural heritage. “It is being claimed that idols are being demolished. There cannot be a bigger lie than this,” he said, emphasizing that the government is committed to preserving and promoting India’s heritage. The Chief Minister’s statement comes amid reports of broken idols being found at the Manikarnika Ghat, which has been undergoing renovation as part of the government’s efforts to develop the area.
The opposition, however, has been quick to attack the government over the alleged destruction of the Rani Ahilyabai Holkar statue, a historical figure who played a significant role in the development of the city. The statue, which was located at the Manikarnika Ghat, is said to have been demolished during the renovation process, sparking outrage among locals and opposition parties. The opposition has accused the government of being insensitive to the city’s rich history and cultural heritage, and has demanded that the government take immediate action to restore the damaged structures and idols.
The controversy over the Manikarnika Ghat renovation has highlighted the challenges of balancing development with preservation of cultural heritage. While the government’s efforts to develop the area are aimed at improving infrastructure and promoting tourism, the destruction of historical artifacts and structures has raised concerns about the impact on the city’s cultural identity. The government has argued that the renovation is necessary to improve the area’s sanitation and hygiene, as well as to provide better facilities for devotees and tourists.
However, the opposition has argued that the government’s approach has been heavy-handed and insensitive to the city’s history and culture. The demolition of the Rani Ahilyabai Holkar statue has been particularly contentious, with many seeing it as a symbol of the government’s disregard for the city’s heritage. The statue, which was erected in honor of the 18th-century queen who played a significant role in the development of the city, is said to have been demolished without proper permission or consultation with local stakeholders.
The controversy has also sparked a wider debate about the preservation of cultural heritage in India. The country is home to a rich and diverse cultural heritage, with numerous historical sites and monuments that are of significant importance to the nation’s history and identity. However, many of these sites are facing threats from development and urbanization, with the government often struggling to balance the need for development with the need to preserve the country’s cultural heritage.
In recent years, there have been numerous instances of historical sites and monuments being destroyed or damaged, often due to a lack of proper planning and consultation with local stakeholders. The destruction of the Rani Ahilyabai Holkar statue is just the latest example of this trend, and has highlighted the need for greater sensitivity and care when it comes to preserving the country’s cultural heritage.
In conclusion, the controversy over the Manikarnika Ghat renovation has highlighted the challenges of balancing development with preservation of cultural heritage. While the government’s efforts to develop the area are aimed at improving infrastructure and promoting tourism, the destruction of historical artifacts and structures has raised concerns about the impact on the city’s cultural identity. The opposition’s attack on the government over the alleged destruction of the Rani Ahilyabai Holkar statue has sparked a wider debate about the preservation of cultural heritage in India, and has highlighted the need for greater sensitivity and care when it comes to preserving the country’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.
Source: https://x.com/PTI_News/status/2012458022187192360
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