Manikarnika Ghat Controversy: CM Yogi Hits Back at Congress, Claims AI Video Spreads Misinformation

Varanasi, January 17, 2026: Amidst the ongoing development work and related controversy at Manikarnika Ghat in Kashi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the city on Saturday to address the issue.

Speaking at a press briefing in Varanasi, CM Yogi explained the purpose and necessity of the ongoing project while also questioning the intentions of the Congress party. He accused the opposition of spreading misinformation using AI-generated videos claiming that a temple at Manikarnika Ghat had been demolished.

“The Congress has always been opposed to Sanatan Dharma, and their actions in this case are no different. They are creating a false narrative by circulating AI-generated videos on social media,” the Chief Minister said. He emphasized that the temple mentioned in the viral content is completely safe. CM Yogi further highlighted that the idols of Lokmata Ahilyabai and Adi Guru Shankaracharya have been installed in the Kashi Vishwanath Temple by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and once the work at Manikarnika Ghat is completed, the Ahilyabai idol will also be installed at its designated place.

Alleged Opposition Motive Behind Project Blockade

CM Yogi alleged that the real intention behind Congress’s opposition is to obstruct the Dalmandi road widening project, which aims to facilitate the movement of the increasing number of pilgrims visiting Kashi. “Before 2014, only 25,000 to 50,000 devotees visited Kashi daily. After the development initiatives, this number has risen to approximately 1.5 to 2 lakh devotees daily. The Dalmandi road widening project between Maidagin and Godowlia is crucial to ensure smooth access for the devotees,” he explained.

He added that Congress’s resistance is essentially against the facilities being created for devotees and not about the heritage structures themselves.

CM Yogi’s visit followed his participation in a program with CJAi in Chandauli earlier in the day, after which he made a sudden trip to Manikarnika Ghat to address the issue directly.