CM Yogi Adityanath Rejects Claims Of Idol Damage At Manikarnika Ghat, Alleges ‘Deliberate Misinformation’ Campaign

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has dismissed allegations that idols and heritage structures were damaged during the redevelopment of Varanasi’s Manikarnika Ghat, accusing political opponents of orchestrating a campaign to spread confusion and unrest.

Addressing a media briefing, the Chief Minister said misleading images of old and broken idols were being circulated on social media to create panic and discredit the project.

Drawing parallels with earlier controversies around the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Adityanath alleged a pattern of “false propaganda” and blamed the Congress for attempting to malign the ancient city’s cultural legacy.

“There are some people who try to defame Kashi... Broken idols are being brought from outside, and images are being posted on social media to spread confusion. It is being claimed that idols are being demolished. There cannot be a bigger lie than this,” he said.

The controversy erupted after videos showing bulldozers operating at Manikarnika Ghat went viral, triggering protests by local groups.

The Pal Samaj Samiti, which has led the demonstrations, claimed that temples and idols, including a century-old structure associated with Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, were damaged during the redevelopment work.

The Congress seized upon the issue to criticise Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that redevelopment was being used to erase historical heritage.

Responding to the allegations, Adityanath warned against the circulation of manipulated and AI-generated videos, saying the government would act firmly against attempts to inflame public sentiment.

“The Congress is spreading false propaganda. The government will not tolerate anyone who uses AI videos to provoke public emotions... We do not need lessons from the Congress,” he asserted.

Clarifying the purpose of the project, the Chief Minister said the redevelopment was intended to address long-standing logistical issues, particularly during the monsoon season.

“During the monsoon, water fills the ghats, affecting the cremation of bodies... The work is being done so that the last rites can be performed with dignity and in a proper manner,” he said.

District authorities have maintained that any idols or artefacts found during excavation have been preserved and will be reinstalled once construction is complete.

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