What did the saints and public representatives say?
Amidst the controversy, BJP Mayor Ashok Tiwari, Regional MLA Dr. Neelkanth Tiwari and Municipal Commissioner inspected the ghat. The Mayor clarified that all the idols including Ahilyabai are completely safe and they will be restored in the classical method after the completion of the construction. General Secretary of Kashi Vidvat Parishad, Prof. Ramnarayan Dwivedi also said that unnecessary confusion is being spread. While supporting the development works, Swami Jitendranand Saraswati of Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti said that cremation has been taking place at Manikarnika Ghat for centuries and it is not appropriate to raise questions on development.
At present, redevelopment work is going on at Manikarnika Ghat. Police are keeping an eye on social media and taking action against those spreading rumours. At the same time, local people and opposition parties are demanding written assurance from the administration regarding the safety and restoration of the statues. The administration appeals that before sharing any picture or video, its authenticity should be verified, so that the faith and social harmony of Kashi is not affected.