Mayor Ashok Tiwari Inspects Manikarnika Ghat, Denies Heritage Damage Claims

Mayor Ashok Tiwari Inspects Manikarnika Ghat, Rejects Heritage Damage Claims Varanasi Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari, along with South Varanasi MLA Dr. Neelkanth Tiwari and Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal, inspected the ongoing development works at Manikarnika Ghat on Friday amid allegations of damage to heritage structures.

The mayor dismissed the claims as politically motivated, stating that no temple or idol has been harmed. He said similar false narratives were spread during the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project. “If anyone can show even a single incident of heritage damage, they should present proof,” he said.

Mayor Tiwari emphasized that the redevelopment aims to improve facilities for devotees, including seating and toilets, as visitors currently face severe difficulties. He added that the work is being carried out under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

He clarified that the Kumbha Mahadev Temple, along with idols of Nandi and Lord Ganesha, is completely safe, and the statue of Rani Ahilyabai has been preserved and will be reinstalled after project completion.