Congress slams U.P. govt over Manikarnika Ghat redevelopment, alleges damage to Varanasi’s heritage

The Congress party in Uttar Pradesh accused the Yogi-Modi government of destroying heritage at Manikarnika Ghat, demanding work be halted and resumed only after consultations with religious leaders. The party alleges that the redevelopment project has damaged a century-old idol and other artifacts, calling it an insult to Hindu traditions and Lord Shankar. The Congress also criticized the BJP for commercial construction in religious spaces, citing examples like the mall built near Baba Vishwanath's temple.