Varanasi's Manikarnika Ghat Redevelopment Sparks Protests Over Ahilyabai Holkar Statue Demolition

The Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi is undergoing a redevelopment project aimed at modernization and improved facilities, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023. During renovation, a nearly century-old structure housing a statue of Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar was demolished, sparking protests led by Mahendra Pal of the Pal community, who demanded the statue's reinstatement. The district administration ordered a probe and denied damage to temples, stating that discovered idols were preserved. Work continues amid local concerns over heritage preservation and community sentiments.