"Temples were destroyed": AAP MP Sanjay Singh hits back at BJP after being charged in Manikarnika Ghat row

Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 19 (ANI): Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh on Sunday hit back at Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) after being charged in connection with the Manikarnika Ghat case, launching a sharp attack on BJP, claiming that temples were demolished for Kashi Vishwanath temple and BJP is trying to suppress questions by filing FIRs (First Information Report).
He showcased a video where the statue of Mata Ahilyabai Holkar was allegedly lying on the ground after demolition, saying, "Can you see where the statue of Mata Ahilyabai Holkar is lying? Has the BJP gone crazy?"
The AAP MP claimed that local residents themselves are witnessing temples being demolished in the area. He further alleged that even the family of Ahilyabai Holkar has raised concerns. "The locals are themselves seeing the temples getting demolished. The family of Ahilyabai Holkar is claiming the demolition of the statue," Singh claimed.
Taking aim at BJP after the FIR against him, Singh asserted that cases against him would not deter him. "BJP can file even more cases if they think they can hurt the sentiments of Hindus and silence the matter," he said.
Singh further alleged that temples were demolished during the construction of the Kashi Vishwanath temple and accused the BJP of double standards. "Temples were demolished in the name of building the Kashi Vishwanath temple. If the same work had been done in an opposition-ruled state, the BJP would have instigated riots across the entire country," he claimed.
This comes after a controversy erupted over the demolition drive in Varanasi. Heavy machinery and bulldozers were used to clear encroachments and old structures. During the drive, several ancient idols and artefacts were discovered. Local authorities state these have been secured by the culture department for reinstallation after construction.
Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh police have registered eight separate cases at Chowk Police Station in Varanasi against AI-generated images and misleading information on the development work at Manikarnika Ghat.
According to the police, these cases have been registered against eight individuals and others who retweeted or made objectionable comments, under sections 196, 298, 299, and 353 of the BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita).
According to a complaint filed by Mano, a resident of V. Sethurajapuram, Perunala Police Station, Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu, his company commenced the work of strengthening and beautifying the facilities at Manikarnika Ghat on November 15, 2025. They have come to know through the social media platform X that on January 16, an X user shared photographs, describing the ongoing beautification work at Manikarnika Ghat. These posts allegedly contained false, baseless, and misleading information, contrary to the actual facts.
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath addressed the issue, providing clarity on the development projects in Kashi and targeting those involved in the case, accusing them of "defaming India's heritage and creating obstacles."
Adityanath further added that the government's project aims to modernise the facilities while upholding tradition.
"The government is committed to helping facilitate the smooth conduct of these rituals, and therefore some projects have been initiated... Cremations become very difficult during the monsoon season, and sometimes bodies are left half-burnt; imagine what the grieving families have to endure...," he added. (ANI)