Akhilesh Yadav Condemns BJP for Alleged Temple Destruction in Varanasi
Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav launched a scathing attack on the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, accusing it of targeting temples and destroying religious heritage during development works in Varanasi. Speaking from Lucknow, Yadav asserted that the BJP, riding high on arrogance of power, is systematically damaging India's cultural identity.
Allegations of Temple Damage and Idol Desecration
The controversy centers around two key areas in Varanasi: Manikarnika Ghat and the Dalmandi area. According to Yadav, recent renovation activities at Manikarnika Ghat and road widening in Dalmandi have led to the demolition of temples and desecration of idols of deities. He specifically mentioned that a statue of Indore queen Ahilyabai Holkar was also allegedly damaged in the process.
The aftershocks of BJP's arrogance of power have been damaging temples and even uprooting sacred trees, Yadav stated, pointing to trees of mythological significance that were removed for the Dalmandi road project. He described these actions as extremely unfortunate and warned that they are disturbing sensitive citizens across the nation.
Call for Social Boycott and Impartial Review
Akhilesh Yadav called for a social and religious boycott of BJP members who support such activities, urging all patriotic citizens to question the party's cadres. The time has come when everyone who loves the country questions the BJP cadres if they support such planned targeting of religious heritage, he emphasized.
He further demanded an impartial review of all development works in Varanasi and other parts of Uttar Pradesh, with a firm resolution that no religious site, historical heritage, or environment is harmed in the name of beautification or development. Yadav accused the BJP of dividing society and cautioned the government to exercise restraint to maintain religious harmony and social unity.
SP Delegation Stopped by Police in Varanasi
In a related development, Yadav condemned the Varanasi district administration for handling an SP delegation's visit to assess the damage. On Sunday, the delegation was stopped by police while en route to Manikarnika Ghat and Dalmandi, with all members taken into preventive custody. Yadav criticized this move as an attempt to suppress transparency and accountability.
SP Rewards Samaritans for Rescuing IAF Pilots
In a separate incident highlighting the party's community engagement, Samajwadi Party functionaries from Prayagraj rewarded two Samaritans, Pankaj Sonkar and Lal Shyam Nishad, on Saturday. They were acknowledged for rescuing two Indian Air Force pilots after a microlite aircraft made a forced landing in a pond on January 21. A video of their brave effort went viral on social media, with Akhilesh Yadav himself sharing it online.
Sandeep Yadav, a senior SP functionary in Prayagraj, presented the rewards on the eve of Republic Day celebrations, honoring the duo's valor. This gesture underscores the party's focus on recognizing local heroes and fostering public service.
The ongoing tensions in Varanasi reflect broader debates about development versus heritage conservation in India, with political parties like the SP positioning themselves as guardians of cultural and religious sites against perceived governmental overreach.
