Congress accuses Modi-Yogi of destroying religious and cultural heritage of Varanasi (Image: X)
New Delhi: The Congress on Friday condemned the demolition of temples and ghats in the holy city of Varanasi (Kashi), accusing the Modi led government at the Centre and the Yogi government in Uttar Pradesh of destroying thousands-of-years-old religious and cultural heritage in the name of development and beautification.
Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai and the party’s national media coordinator Abhay Dubey addressed a press conference at the party office and said that ancient temples were being demolished and historical ghats damaged in Varanasi, the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Rai dubbed the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor as a “mall”, saying several ancient temples were demolished and the sacred ‘Akshaya Vat’ tree was destroyed during its construction.
He mentioned the demolition of Mukteshwar Mahadev temple and the Lakshmi Narayan temple built with Kasauti stone, and raised questions over the disappearance of ancient idols.
He further alleged that in the name of beautification of Manikarnika Ghat, the work for which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister in 2023, the ghat has been completely destroyed.
He highlighted that the statue of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, who had renovated the ghat, Lord Shiva’s Shivling, and the place where Mata Parvati’s Mani (jewel) is believed to have fallen, were also damaged.
Highlighting the religious significance of Manikarnika Ghat, Rai said it is revered as a place of salvation, where people from India and abroad wish to have their last rites performed.
He said tampering with such a sacred heritage is unacceptable.
The Congress leader also questioned the government on the cleanliness of the holy river Ganga, alleging that sewage from cruise vessels operating on the river is being discharged into it.
He termed the naming of a cruise ship after Swami Vivekananda as insulting when it is indulging in polluting the holy river.
Referring to the Daal Mandi area, where an old wholesale market existed, Rai said that bulldozer action without a concrete rehabilitation plan could render traders-labourers unemployed.
He alleged that the BJP only pretends to uphold Hindutva, but its actions are atheistic.
Dubey, meanwhile, said that Kashi is the sacred land created by Lord Shiva, but the BJP government has carried out widespread destruction there. He called the demolition at Manikarnika Ghat an insult to Lord Shiva and Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, and termed it an attack on Sanatan culture.
The Congress leaders demanded that all ongoing work at Manikarnika Ghat be stopped immediately, and that further plans be made in consultation with the religious leaders of Kashi, that the Daal Mandi area be protected, and that a comprehensive rehabilitation plan be ensured for the affected traders and residents.
