Saharanpur, January 19: In a fiery outburst, Congress MP Imran Masood has accused the Uttar Pradesh government under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of trampling on people’s faith. Speaking exclusively to reporters, Masood labeled the ongoing demolitions at the sacred Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi as a direct assault on Hindu sentiments.
The controversy erupted after visuals surfaced showing the destruction of temples and idols at the ghats. Masood highlighted the razing of a Shiv temple and the tractor-pulling of a Hanuman idol, images released by the Ahilyabai Holkar Trust. ‘This is not just demolition; it’s an attack on our deepest beliefs,’ he thundered.
Drawing parallels, the MP recounted a recent incident in Bareilly where police allegedly arrested people praying at home and sent them to jail. He also pointed to Delhi, where an ancient temple was demolished to make way for RSS office parking. ‘Does the BJP feel no pain running bulldozers over temples and mosques?’ Masood questioned, urging the ruling party to recognize India as a land of faith.
Masood claimed records show the highest number of temple demolitions under BJP rule, alongside massive land grabs. ‘Let’s debate this if they dare,’ he challenged. Meanwhile, UP Congress demanded clarity from Yogi: if videos of the idol breakage are AI-generated, provide proof. They seek the idol’s current location, noting government officials’ admissions contradict official denials, raising serious questions on intent.
As tensions simmer in Varanasi, a city revered for its spiritual heritage, this row threatens to ignite broader political battles ahead of elections. Congress vows to champion the truth against attempts to suppress it.