Broken idols brought from outside: UP CM Yogi amid row over Manikarnika Ghat renovation
The redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi has been at the center of a controversy in recent weeks, with allegations of destruction of ancient idols and statues. The issue has taken a political turn, with opposition parties attacking the government over the alleged destruction of the Rani Ahilyabai Holkar statue. However, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has come out in defense of the government, claiming that broken idols were brought from outside to malign India’s heritage.
Speaking on the issue, CM Yogi Adityanath said, “It is being claimed that idols are being demolished. There cannot be a bigger lie than this.” He further stated that the government is committed to preserving and protecting India’s cultural heritage, and that the redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat is being carried out with the utmost care and respect for the site’s historical significance.
The controversy began when reports emerged of ancient idols and statues being destroyed during the renovation of Manikarnika Ghat. The opposition was quick to pounce on the issue, with many leaders condemning the government for its alleged callousness towards India’s cultural heritage. The Rani Ahilyabai Holkar statue, in particular, has been at the center of the controversy, with many claiming that it was destroyed during the renovation.
However, CM Yogi Adityanath has denied these allegations, stating that the government has taken every precaution to ensure that the redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat is carried out in a sensitive and respectful manner. He claimed that the broken idols that have been found at the site were brought from outside, and that they are not a part of the original structure.
The issue has sparked a heated debate, with many experts and historians weighing in on the controversy. While some have supported the government’s claims, others have expressed concern over the impact of the renovation on the site’s cultural and historical significance.
Manikarnika Ghat is one of the most sacred sites in Hinduism, and its redevelopment is a complex and sensitive issue. The site is not only a place of worship, but also a historical and cultural treasure trove, with many ancient idols and statues that are of immense significance to India’s heritage.
The government has stated that the redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat is being carried out with the aim of preserving and protecting the site’s cultural and historical significance. The project involves the renovation of the ghat, as well as the construction of new facilities and infrastructure to improve the overall experience of visitors to the site.
While the controversy over the redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat continues to simmer, CM Yogi Adityanath has reiterated the government’s commitment to preserving and protecting India’s cultural heritage. He has stated that the government will take all necessary steps to ensure that the redevelopment of the site is carried out in a sensitive and respectful manner, and that the cultural and historical significance of the site is preserved for future generations.
In conclusion, the controversy over the redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat is a complex and sensitive issue, with many different perspectives and opinions. While the opposition has attacked the government over the alleged destruction of the Rani Ahilyabai Holkar statue, CM Yogi Adityanath has denied these allegations, stating that broken idols were brought from outside to malign India’s heritage. As the debate continues, it is essential to approach the issue with sensitivity and respect for the site’s cultural and historical significance.
News Source: https://x.com/PTI_News/status/2012458022187192360
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