Manikarnika Ghat Controversy Deepens: Minister Admits Lapse

In a contrasting statement, Minister Jaiswal admitted that while the Manikarnika Ghat project will ultimately benefit everyone, the execution was flawed. He remarked, "The statues should have been shifted before the construction work began," signaling a lapse in protocol.

Opposition & Context:

Protests: Congress and Samajwadi Party leaders have intensified protests. Congress officials met the DM, claiming that cultural heritage is being destroyed in the name of development.

Historical Significance: The Ghat was originally built by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar in 1771 and renovated in 1791. The foundation for the current modernization was laid by PM Modi in 2023.

Official Stance: DM Satyendra has reiterated that the statues are safe and authorities are tracing those spreading "AI-generated" fake videos.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath strongly refuted allegations regarding the destruction of Queen Ahilyabai Holkar's statue at Manikarnika Ghat, terming the circulating videos as "fake" and "AI-generated."

The CM's Statement: Addressing the controversy during his visit today, CM Yogi stated:

Safety Assurance: "The statue of Queen Ahilyabai Holkar is safe and preserved. Once the renovation is complete, it will be reinstated with grandeur. The claim that temples are being destroyed is a lie."

AI Conspiracy: He accused the Congress party of creating fake videos using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to mislead the public and defame Kashi. "Using AI to show broken temples is a crime. We will not tolerate this," he warned.

Attack on Opposition: Mocking the Congress leadership, he used the proverb, "Sau chuhe khakar billi Haj ko chali" (A cat going on a pilgrimage after eating 100 mice), calling their comments hypocritical.