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VHRP Backs Manikarnika Ghat Redevelopment as Dharma Protection, Not Destruction

The Vishwa Hindu Raksha Parishad has voiced strong support for the Uttar Pradesh government's redevelopment project at Varanasi's Manikarnika Ghat, framing it as an essential measure to protect Dharma, public safety, and civilizational continuity. Yamuna Pathak of VHRD criticized opponents for having no practical solutions for crowd management and sanitation, suggesting their outrage often masks political agendas. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey also defended the work, questioning the motives behind the objections and citing historical figures who have previously renovated the site. The controversy follows a demolition drive for the beautification project, with police now filing cases against individuals for spreading AI-generated misleading content about the work.

Key Points: Manikarnika Ghat Redevelopment: VHRP Defends UP Govt's Project

  • VHRP strongly supports UP government's redevelopment initiative
  • Project aims to safeguard heritage, dignity, and public safety
  • Opposition accused of offering no practical solutions
  • Historical precedent cited for Kashi's repeated restoration
  • Police register cases over AI-generated misleading content
2 min read

"Not destruction of heritage, but protection of Dharma": VHRP on Manikarnika Ghat redevelopment

VHRP supports UP govt's Manikarnika Ghat redevelopment, calling it protection of Dharma and safety. BJP MP Dubey also defends the project amid controversy.

"This is not destruction of heritage, but protection of Dharma, dignity of the departed, safety of the living, and continuity of a civilisation. - Yamuna Pathak"

Dona Paula, January 19

Vishwa Hindu Raksha Parishad, Yamuna Pathak came out in strong support of the Uttar Pradesh government's initiative, asserting that the Manikarnika Ghat project is aimed at safeguarding heritage, dignity, and public safety.

Speaking to ANI, Pathak said, "This is not destruction of heritage, but protection of Dharma, dignity of the departed, safety of the living, and continuity of a civilisation. Those opposing it offer no practical solutions for safety, sanitation or crowd management. Selective outrage in the name of faith often masks political agendas."

Emphasising historical continuity, Pathak added, "True Hindu leadership supports reforms that protect both tradition and people. From Guptas to Marathas to the modern times, Kashi has been rebuilt, restored and extended repetitively."

She further said, "The government is correcting decades of neglect that endangered priests, workers and pilgrims daily. We ardently support the initiatives taken by the UP government."

Meanwhile, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey also defended the redevelopment work, questioning the objections being raised.

In a post on X, Dubey said, "Banaras's Manikarnika Ghat, the temple there and its proper construction have been carried out from time to time by the king of Alwar, by Maharani Ahilyabai ji, and by the King of Amethi. Today, what is the problem? Because a person from a poor family is the Prime Minister?"

The controversy erupted following a demolition and clearing drive at Manikarnika Ghat as part of a beautification and strengthening project, during which heavy machinery was used to remove encroachments and old structures. Authorities said several ancient idols and artefacts found during the process have been secured by the culture department and will be reinstalled after construction is complete.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Police have registered eight separate cases at Chowk Police Station in Varanasi against AI-generated images and alleged misleading information related to the redevelopment work.

According to police, cases have been registered against eight individuals and others who shared or commented on objectionable content under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
I have mixed feelings. While safety and sanitation are crucial, using heavy machinery at such a sacred site feels wrong. Couldn't the work be more delicate? The artefacts being secured is a good step, but the process matters.
R
Rohit P
Pathak ji is right about historical continuity. Look at how Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar rebuilt temples. Every generation has a duty to restore and preserve. This is not destruction, it's seva.
S
Sarah B
The police cases against AI-generated images are concerning. While misinformation is bad, this feels like an overreach. Can't we have a public debate without legal threats?
V
Vikram M
As someone who visits Varanasi often, the crowd management at Manikarnika is a nightmare. Pilgrims and locals both suffer. This project is long overdue. Jai Baba Vishwanath!
N
Nikhil C
Dubey's comment about the PM's background is unnecessary and politicizes a religious matter. Let's focus on the ghat's needs, not on who is doing the work. The debate should be about preservation methods.

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