Akhilesh Yadav accuses BJP of targeting temples during development works in Uttar Pradesh
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged that development and beautification work in parts of Uttar Pradesh has harmed religious sites and heritage, citing Varanasi locations. He called for an impartial review to ensure religious places, historical heritage and the environment are not damaged in the name of development.
Opposition sharpens critique of development projects
Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav on Monday, 26 January 2026, escalated his criticism of the BJP-led administration in Uttar Pradesh, alleging that development activity is being carried out in ways that harm religious sites and heritage. He said the ruling party was “riding high on arrogance” and accused it of targeting temples.
In remarks cited in the report, Akhilesh referred to alleged temple damage and the disruption of sacred elements during works linked to renovation and road widening in Varanasi. He specifically mentioned locations around Manikarnika Ghat and the Dalmandi area, alleging that temples were demolished, idols were desecrated and trees with mythological significance were uprooted during the works.
He demanded that development work be subjected to a neutral assessment, arguing that beautification and infrastructure projects should proceed without harming religious places, historical heritage or the environment. His comments reflect a broader political contest in the state, where debates about redevelopment, heritage management and the pace of urban transformation often carry significant electoral weight.
Tensions around access and official action
The report also said a Samajwadi Party delegation that sought to visit and review the works was stopped by police while heading to Manikarnika Ghat, and members were taken into preventive custody. The incident added a law-and-order and political rights dimension to the controversy, with the opposition framing the police action as an attempt to prevent scrutiny of on-ground changes.
Akhilesh’s remarks came on Republic Day, a date when politicians often invoke constitutional values and governance standards. While the state government has repeatedly defended redevelopment works in major religious and heritage corridors as necessary for crowd management and tourism, the opposition’s charge is that implementation must be more sensitive to local religious structures and historical assets.
The argument is not only about infrastructure; it is also about who defines heritage protection and how redevelopment is executed in high-symbolism locations like Varanasi.
- Leader: Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party)
- Issue raised: alleged harm to temples/heritage during development work
- Places cited: Manikarnika Ghat and Dalmandi area in Varanasi
- Demand: impartial review to prevent damage to religious sites, heritage and environment