Varanasi Manikarnika Ghat Row Escalates Over Teerth Corridor Project Claims

A major political controversy has erupted in Varanasi over the redevelopment work at Manikarnika Ghat, one of Hinduism’s most sacred cremation grounds. The dispute centres on the ongoing Manikarnika Teerth Corridor project, with opposition parties accusing the government of damaging religious heritage, while the ruling establishment has dismissed the allegations as misleading and politically motivated.

The row intensified after a raised platform at the ghat was removed as part of the corridor work. Soon after, images and videos circulated widely on social media, alleging that temples, idols, and sacred structures were being demolished. The visuals triggered outrage among religious groups and political leaders, escalating the issue into a statewide political flashpoint.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath personally visited the site to review the situation. After inspecting the ghat, the Chief Minister categorically rejected the claims, stating that no temples or idols had been destroyed during the redevelopment. He asserted that the viral visuals were either misrepresented or digitally manipulated, adding that some images appeared to be artificially generated to incite unrest.

According to officials overseeing the project, the removed platform was a temporary structure that had obstructed movement and safety at the ghat. They maintained that the corridor project aims to enhance accessibility, sanitation, and safety for pilgrims and families performing last rites, without altering the sanctity or traditional practices associated with Manikarnika Ghat.

Despite these assurances, opposition leaders continued to raise objections. Akhilesh Yadav accused the state government of undermining Sanatan traditions in the name of development, alleging that the project reflected insensitivity toward Hindu rituals and centuries-old heritage. The Indian National Congress echoed similar concerns, questioning the planning and execution of the corridor and demanding greater transparency.

The controversy spilled onto the streets as protests were organised near the ghat area. Police detained several demonstrators as a preventive measure, further fuelling accusations of suppression by opposition parties. The detentions added to the charged atmosphere, with both sides accusing each other of politicising a deeply religious site.

Manikarnika Ghat holds immense spiritual significance in Hindu belief, where cremation is said to grant moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Any perceived alteration to the ghat inevitably draws strong emotional responses, making the issue particularly sensitive.

State authorities have reiterated that the Manikarnika Teerth Corridor is being developed with guidance from religious scholars and local stakeholders to preserve traditions while improving infrastructure. They have also warned against the spread of unverified or manipulated content that could disturb communal harmony.

As the debate continues, the Manikarnika Ghat controversy has become a symbol of the broader clash between heritage conservation and modern infrastructure development. With elections approaching and emotions running high, the issue is expected to remain a focal point of political discourse in Uttar Pradesh in the days ahead.