Overview
- Work at Varanasi’s Manikarnika Ghat is ongoing, drawing street protests led by the Pal Samaj Samiti with support from sections of the Marathi community and other local groups.
- Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Uttar Pradesh chief Ajay Rai, accuse the Modi and Yogi governments of demolishing centuries‑old heritage and demand an immediate halt.
- The Varanasi district administration says artefacts taken from the site are secured by the culture department and will return to their original locations after construction concludes.
- Claims that a century‑old Ahilyabai Holkar idol and other consecrated idols were removed or damaged are being disputed, with officials rejecting allegations of permanent loss.
- The Rs 17.56 crore plan, launched after a July 2023 foundation stone ceremony, includes wider pathways, improved cremation platforms, a wood plaza and accessibility ramps to address crowding and hygiene at a high‑volume cremation site.