§  Modi Manikarnika Ghat Makeover Controversy 2026

§  Bulldozers Destroy Heritage – Protests Rage Over Varanasi Cremation Site Upgrade.!

§  Explosive updates on Modi Manikarnika Ghat makeover 2026 – heritage destruction claims, temple demolitions, Ahilyabai Holkar legacy at risk in Varanasi

§  Full protests details, Kharge Modi attacks and local anger for top Google searches on Kashi redevelopment scandal

§  From Sacred Moksha Spot to Modern Mess.? Locals Slam Demolitions as Cultural Crime in Holy Kashi

§  Bulldozers flatten Manikarnika Ghat’s ancient platform + Ahilyabai Holkar statue amid Varanasi redevelopment row

§  PM Modi July 2023 Rs17.56cr Manikarnika-Scindia corridor project faces Congress “heritage destruction” fire; locals/Dhangar-Pal communities riot

Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s big push to revamp Varanasi’s famous Manikarnika Ghat – one of Hinduism’s holiest cremation sites – is sparking massive backlash in 2026. Critics say bulldozers are wiping out centuries-old temples, idols and structures built by queen Ahilyabai Holkar, all in the name of “beautification” and tourism boost. Protests erupted in January 2026 after videos showed debris with broken gods’ statues, calling it a “cultural attack” worse than invaders. Congress boss Mallikarjun Kharge blasted Modi for erasing history to slap his name on it. This full detailed news report on Modi’s Manikarnika Ghat makeover dives into the chaos with fresh scoops from X rants and web reports, showing how Kashi’s soul is at stake amid politics and profit.

Varanasi’s holiest cremation ghat Manikarnika sees heavy machinery demolish historic chabutra + Holkar statue for grand corridor. Admin: “Rejuvenation widens lanes Manikarnika-Scindia, CCTV installed.” Protesters: 21 temples razed sans ASI nod.

Details & Context

Project Scope: PM Modi foundation July 2023; Rs17.56cr transform narrow lanes into corridor like Kashi Vishwanath (Rs1000cr, 300 Shivlings dug). Manikarnika (salvation pyres) + Harishchandra eco-revamp by 2026.

Bulldozer Fury: Jan 2026 videos viral: earthmover crushes idol-surrounded platform. Dhangar/Pal communities protest; Indore Holkar Trust: “Heritage Act 1958 violation – 100m no-demo zone ignored”.

Political Blast: Kharge X: “Modi bulldozes culture for cronies.” Priyanka: “Grave sin erasing history.” UP Congress Ajay Rai: “Attack Sanatan soul”.

Admin DM warns social media “misinfo” monitors; denies temple damage.

Manikarnika Ghat, on the Ganga’s banks in Varanasi has been a key spot for Hindu last rites for ages – believers say cremation here brings moksha or freedom from rebirth. It’s tied to ancient tales from the Gupta era and got a major fix-up in 1791 by Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar, who added temples and steps. But in July 2023, Modi kicked off a Rs 17.56 crore makeover to add ramps, toilets, green spaces and better cremation spots for eco-friendliness. The goal.? Boost religious tourism and handle crowds better in Modi’s own constituency.

Trouble boiled over in January 2026 when demolitions started without warning. Videos showed bulldozers crushing walls with carved idols and a 300-year-old “Mani” platform – linked to Holkar – got trashed. Locals from Pal and Maratha groups protested, saying it’s hurting rituals and heritage. The Holkar family trust slammed it as an “insult” to their queen’s work, demanding a probe. Officials deny damage, saying idols are safe for reinstall and it’s just widening lanes. But Varanasi DM warned protesters of action for “misleading” posts.

This echoes past fights, like the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor where over 150 temples allegedly got demolished for a fancy path. Critics call it turning sacred spots into “malls” for votes and cash, ignoring laws like the Ancient Monuments Act that bans work near heritage without ASI nod. On X, users rage: A viral reel from @tube.indian on Jan 15 got thousands of views, showing “bulldozers razing history.” Another post from @nationalherald_nh highlights Kharge’s attack with 20+ shares.

Fresh from Jan 16, 2026: UP Congress chief Ajay Rai called it an “attack on Kashi’s soul,” threatening hunger strikes if not stopped. Varanasi mayor and MLA held a presser, saying it’s “misinformation” and locals back it. But a Jan 17 X video from @Dalimss_News shows ongoing work, fueling more outrage.

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Quotes

·       Akash Banerjee: “Modi’s Manikarnika Ghat 'Makeover' | Destroying Kashi To Make A Budget Disneyland? | Akash Banerjee”

·       Kharge: “Modi demolishes heritage for business pals – water/forests done, now culture turn”.

·       Priyanka Gandhi: “Bulldozers tear historical fabric – grave sin.!”

·       Holkar Trust: “Shocked violation Ahilyabai legacy; legal action”.

·       DM Varanasi: “Misleading tweets identified; action coming”

·       Local Priest: “300yrs puja spots lost; where families go.?”

·       Mallikarjun Kharge on X: “In the name of beautification and commercialisation, Prime Minister Modi has ordered bulldozers to demolish centuries-old religious, cultural and spiritual heritage at Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi.”

·       Ajay Rai to TOI: “The Manikarnika Ghat rejuvenation project is an attack on the soul of Kashi.”

·       Holkar Trust statement: “A serious violation of heritage laws has taken place here.”

·       Local protester in video: “So many people have been living here for hundreds of years. If you displace them, where will they go.?”

·       Varanasi ADM Alok Verma: “Local residents are largely supportive.”

·       From X @ITSCK47: “Modi govt destroying the holy site in the name of Redevelopment.”

·       Mahant Rajendra Prasad Tiwari: “Modi has destroyed more temples than Aurangzeb.”

·       From Instagram @nationalherald_nh: “Kharge criticised Modi over the ongoing redevelopment work at Varanasi’s Manikarnika Ghat.”

Additional Information

History: Ahilyabai Holkar 1791 restored; 1910/1832 paintings glory. 21 temples, bathing steps affected. Kashi Vishwanath Corridor precedent: 150 Shivlings debris 2018.

Protests: Dhangar-Pal meet Jan 15 strategy; Dalmandi market fears. VM C/VMC stocktake post-viral.

X trends: #SaveManikarnikaGhat 3M+ posts, bulldozer videos 20M views Jan 2026.

The Rs 52 crore project (some say Rs 17.56 crore) includes electric crematoriums, VIP seating, ramps and CCTV for flood safety. But experts say it breaks the 1958 Ancient Monuments Act – no heritage impact report done. Protests started Jan 10, 2026, after sudden bulldozer hits. Holkar descendants want idols recovered.

From X latest: @Shrimant_Peshwa on Jan 16 compared it to Peshwa fort destruction, calling Modi “svarn virodhi.” @daksinapathpati shared old pics, saying “Manikarnika built by Bajirao Peshwa, rebuilt by Holkar – all gone.” Instagram reel from @somarasa_ on Jan 16 warns “modernization erodes moksha sanctity,” 5K views.

Jan 17 updates: Congress plans hunger strike if no halt in a week. FB video from Indiatimes shows “public backlash,” 10K shares. Critics link it to Ganga pollution – despite billions spent, river still dirty. Similar global fixes, like Notre Dame or Angkor Wat, kept old charm without destruction.

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Impact Analysis

Ghat makeover pits development vs heritage.

Opposition: Congress BJP “Aurangzeb 2.0”; locals faith hurt.

This makeover mess hurts Varanasi’s tourism short-term – pilgrims fear lost sanctity, dropping visits. Economically, locals lose homes and shops; jobs from new facilities might not offset. Socially, it divides Hindus – some love modern perks, others cry cultural wipe-out. Politically, it dings Modi’s image in his seat – narrow 2024 win shows voter grumbles.

X engagement explodes: Posts like @G_tatee on Jan 15 got 50K views, fueling #SaveManikarnika. Positive.? Could force better heritage rules if protests win. Downside: Deepens trust gap in govt with opposition calling it “Aurangzeb-style.” Globally, it tarnishes India’s heritage care image.

Conclusion

Manikarnika Ghat bulldozer blitz ignites Varanasi heritage storm – Holkar legacy crushed for Modi’s corridor vision. Admin rejuvenation claim vs protester “cultural sin.” Ahilyabai Trust/ASI law breach loom; Kashi soul at stake. Watch Dhangar-Pal Jan 15 meet.

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