Political fireworks erupted in Uttar Pradesh as BJP spokesperson SP Singh Baghel launched a scathing attack on Akhilesh Yadav, accusing him of peddling misinformation about Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi. Yadav’s viral statement painted a grim picture of the iconic ghat, but Baghel was quick to set the record straight with irrefutable facts.
The Samajwadi Party leader had claimed the ghat was in ruins, with broken stairs and poor maintenance plaguing pilgrims and locals alike. Baghel, speaking to a packed media room, dismissed these as ‘election-time fantasies.’ He rolled out a timeline of achievements: new CNG crematoria installed, pathways widened, and constant Ganga cleaning drives ensuring cleaner waters.
‘Under Akhilesh’s rule, ghats were synonymous with filth and chaos. Today, they’re symbols of progress,’ Baghel remarked, sharing before-and-after photos that went viral instantly. He pointed to the Namami Gange project, which has poured millions into preserving these cultural landmarks while modernizing facilities.
This isn’t the first time rivals have clashed over Varanasi’s heritage sites. With PM Modi’s constituency at stake, every claim is amplified. Baghel challenged Yadav to a public debate, promising to bring experts and eyewitnesses. Supporters from both sides are rallying, turning the ghat into a battleground of words.
As Uttar Pradesh gears up for political showdowns, incidents like these remind voters of the importance of fact-checking amid the rhetoric. Manikarnika Ghat continues to burn brightly, both literally and in the political spotlight.