Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a sharp attack on the Congress party in Varanasi on Saturday. He accused the opposition of trying to tarnish Kashi's image with fake photographs. This controversy centers on the Manikarnika Ghat rejuvenation project.
Fake Images and a Political Conspiracy
Yogi Adityanath addressed the media at the circuit house after reviewing the situation. The opposition had alleged desecration of idols and the statue of Queen Ahilyabai Holker at the project site. The CM dismissed these claims as a deliberate conspiracy.
"This is a plot by Congress to defame Kashi," Yogi stated firmly. He emphasized that the redevelopment work at Manikarnika Ghat is proceeding carefully. The project aims to preserve the ghat's mythological significance and daily rituals.
A Repeat of Old Tactics
The Chief Minister drew parallels with the past. He recalled the period between 2019 and 2021 during the Kashi Vishwanath Dham project. "Congress and some individuals hatched conspiracies back then too," he said.
They allegedly circulated images of broken idol remnants from workshops. The false claim was that deities' idols and temples were being demolished. Yogi noted that similar fake videos have gone viral on social media over the last two days.
The Truth About the Ahilyabai Holker Statue
Yogi Adityanath provided clarity on the specific statue of Queen Ahilyabai Holker. He confirmed that the idol is safe and in protective custody. It was originally part of a wall on one of the ghat's platforms.
The statue will be reinstalled once the project is complete, he assured. The CM highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's deep respect for the queen. PM Modi ensured her idol was installed within the Kashi Vishwanath Dham complex.
Development Without Disturbing Heritage
Yogi praised the Prime Minister's approach to Kashi's development. "PM Modi always ensures modern facilities are introduced without disturbing the soul, heritage, and culture of Kashi," he remarked.
He pointed out that all temples claimed to be demolished during the Kashi Vishwanath Dham work still stand today. They exist in a rejuvenated and improved form, exposing what he called Congress's lies.
Historical Disrespect and Modern Progress
The Chief Minister contrasted the current government's efforts with historical actions. He stated that Kashi did not receive the respect and development it deserved after independence.
Yogi referenced India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. He accused Nehru of obstructing Sardar Patel's bid to rejuvenate the Somnath temple. Nehru also allegedly tried to stop the first President of India from visiting there.
Economic and Spiritual Revival Under Modi
Yogi Adityanath outlined the transformative changes in Varanasi over the past eleven years. He credited PM Modi's visionary leadership for this progress.
- Projects worth Rs 55,000 crore were sanctioned for Varanasi's overall development.
- Works exceeding Rs 36,000 crore are already completed.
- The remaining projects are currently in progress.
The spiritual and economic impact has been significant. The average daily footfall at Kashi Vishwanath Dham jumped dramatically.
- It increased from 5,000-15,000 pilgrims and tourists per day.
- Now, it regularly sees 1 lakh to 1.5 lakh visitors daily.
- On special occasions, footfall ranges between 6 lakh and 10 lakh.
Yogi revealed that in 2025 alone, 11 lakh pilgrims visited the Kashi Vishwanath temple. This surge has boosted local service sectors and generated substantial income. Since 2022, Kashi has contributed over Rs 1.30 lakh crore to the nation's GDP.
Comprehensive Development Initiatives
The Chief Minister listed the wide-ranging improvements in Varanasi:
- Improved water quality of the Ganga River.
- Beautification of the iconic ghats.
- Enhanced waterway, airway, rail, and road connectivity.
- Introduction of a ropeway system.
- Progress in education, health, sports, and other sectors.
Heritage preservation remains a core focus. A notable achievement was the return of the stolen Goddess Annapurna temple idol. It was brought back from Europe and installed inside the Kashi Vishwanath Dham after a century.
No Lessons from Congress on Heritage
Yogi Adityanath was unequivocal in his dismissal of Congress's criticism. "There is no need to learn from Congress about how heritage should be respected," he declared.
He cited smooth conservation and beautification works across India:
- Construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
- Development works in Kashi, Ayodhya, and Vindhyavasini Dham.
- Projects in Prayagraj and Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
All these are progressing under PM Modi's leadership, according to Yogi.
Mocking the Opposition's Stance
The CM used sharp rhetoric to criticize Congress leaders. He described their remarks as baseless and their statements as childish. "Their actions evoke both laughter and pity," he said.
Yogi invoked a famous Hindi saying: ‘Nau sau chuhe khake billi haj ko chali’. This translates to "after eating nine hundred mice, the cat went on the Hajj pilgrimage." He applied this to Congress, implying hypocrisy.
The Real Motive Behind the Controversy
Yogi Adityanath concluded by alleging the opposition's true intention. He claimed the uproar over the Manikarnika Ghat project is a diversion. Their real aim is to hamper the Dalmandi road widening project.
This road project is designed to improve access to the Kashi Vishwanath Dham. The CM asserted that those who always disrespected heritage are now creating obstacles. They are trying to disturb a project launched to improve connectivity and honor Sanatan sentiments.
