Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav has launched a scathing attack on the Uttar Pradesh government over the demolitions being carried out in Varanasi for the widening of Dalmandi and the beautification of the ghats.
He said the “aftershocks of BJP’s arrogance” have been damaging temples and even uprooting sacred trees.
Posting on his social media account on Sunday, Akhilesh Yadav said that such treatment of religious sites, saints, and centuries-old heritage is extremely unfortunate. He alleged that the BJP leadership is harming the country’s cultural identity in the name of development and added that it is natural for every sensitive citizen to be disturbed by these scenes.
Accusing the BJP of creating division in society, he said that the government should refrain from any action that affects religious harmony and social unity. Akhilesh Yadav also appealed to BJP supporters to introspect, saying that the country and society are paramount and should be above any political agenda.
The SP president demanded an impartial review of the work being done in Varanasi and other parts of the state, and that it be ensured that no religious site, historical heritage, or the environment is harmed in the name of beautification or development.
He said that the Samajwadi Party is taking this issue seriously and, if necessary, will launch a movement to protect public sentiments.