Broken Idols Brought From Outside, Yogi Adityanath on Kashi Ghat Row

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday strongly refuted allegations of idol demolition during the redevelopment work at Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, asserting that damaged idols were deliberately brought from outside and circulated on social media to create confusion and unrest.

Addressing the controversy in a media briefing, the Chief Minister said misleading visuals were being shared online to malign India’s cultural heritage and obstruct development projects in Kashi. Drawing parallels with earlier opposition to the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project, he accused the Indian National Congress of spreading what he termed “false propaganda” to provoke public sentiment.

“There are people who are trying to defame Kashi. Broken idols are being brought from elsewhere and projected as if they are being demolished here. There cannot be a bigger lie than this,” Adityanath said, adding that similar attempts were made earlier to stall redevelopment initiatives in the temple town.

What Sparked the Manikarnika Ghat Controversy

The row erupted earlier this week after videos showing bulldozers at Manikarnika Ghat went viral on social media. The visuals triggered protests near the site, with sections of local residents and community groups alleging that temples and idols were damaged as part of the redevelopment drive.

The ghat, considered one of the holiest cremation grounds in Hinduism, holds immense religious and cultural significance. Protesters, led by the Pal Samaj Samiti, claimed that structures linked to historical heritage, including an old structure associated with Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, were affected during the demolition process.

Political Reactions and Allegations

The controversy quickly snowballed into a political flashpoint, with the Congress using the issue to attack Narendra Modi, alleging that redevelopment projects were erasing historical heritage in the name of modernisation. Opposition leaders claimed the demolition drive reflected insensitivity towards the city’s ancient legacy.

Responding sharply, Yogi Adityanath dismissed the allegations as politically motivated. He said attempts were being made to distort facts and undermine faith in development initiatives that aim to improve facilities while preserving religious traditions.

Warning Over AI-Generated Content

The Chief Minister also warned against the circulation of AI-generated and manipulated videos, cautioning the public not to fall prey to misinformation campaigns designed to inflame emotions. He said the state government would take strict action against anyone attempting to spread falsehoods or disturb communal harmony.

“The government will not tolerate efforts to incite people using fake or AI-generated visuals. India’s heritage and Kashi’s sanctity will be protected at all costs,” he said, adding that no political party needed to lecture the state on cultural preservation.

Preservation of Idols and Redevelopment Rationale

Earlier, the district administration clarified that idols and artefacts discovered during excavation were carefully preserved and would be reinstalled after the completion of redevelopment work. Officials stressed that no permanent religious structure was destroyed.

Explaining the rationale behind the redevelopment, Yogi Adityanath said the project was aimed at addressing long-standing issues faced by locals, especially during the monsoon season. He noted that flooding at the ghats often disrupts cremation rituals, forcing families to conduct last rites under undignified conditions.

“During monsoon, waterlogging creates serious problems. At times, partially cremated bodies have to be consigned to the river. The redevelopment work is being done so that last rites can be performed with dignity,” the Chief Minister said.

Development Versus Misinformation Debate

The Manikarnika Ghat controversy has once again highlighted the tension between heritage conservation and urban redevelopment in historic cities. While the government maintains that the project balances tradition with modern facilities, opposition parties continue to question its execution.

As investigations into the viral videos continue and security remains heightened at the ghat, authorities have appealed for calm and urged the public to rely on verified information. The state government has reiterated its commitment to preserving Kashi’s spiritual identity while ensuring improved infrastructure for residents and pilgrims alike.