The Congress on Friday accused the Uttar Pradesh government of destroying the heritage of Varanasi’s Manikarnika Ghat during ongoing redevelopment. UP Congress president Ajay Rai said the Yogi-Modi government claims to support Hindutva but is “completely atheistic.” He added, "Narendra Modi laid the foundation in 2023 for beautifying Manikarnika Ghat but has destroyed it instead." Manikarnika Ghat is one of Hinduism's oldest sacred cremation sites. It is believed to grant moksha, or liberation from rebirth. The redevelopment project has sparked protests. Demonstrators say a century-old idol of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar was damaged. The district administration denied this, saying artifacts were safely secured and will be reinstalled. District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar said the project aims to improve sanitation and space at the busy ghat. Rai said, "When people from Hindu society pass away, their last wish is cremation at Manikarnika." He also accused the BJP government of building commercial structures in religious places, citing a mall built in Baba Vishwanath’s temple area after cutting down ancient trees. He claimed statues renovated by Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar were broken and demanded the redevelopment stop until religious leaders are consulted. Rai warned, "The Congress will not allow such wrong actions in Banaras. We stand with the people." Congress colleague Abhay Dubey called the government’s acts an insult to Lord Shankar and Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar. "This is a heinous crime done at the behest of Modi ji," he said. The party's strong criticism came a day after Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge accused PM Modi of wanting to erase historical heritage to "affix his own nameplate." Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also condemned the damage as a "grave sin" done for commercial interests. The protest started Tuesday, led by the Pal Samaj Samiti and supported by Marathi and other local groups. Mahendra Pal claimed the idol was removed during demolition. Ajay Sharma of the Sanatan Rakshak Dal said several sacred idols were damaged, hurting religious feelings.