Ahilyabai Statue Removal Sparks Political Firestorm: Kashi to Indore Erupts in Protest

• The removal of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar's statue and an associated temple at Ahilya Ghat in Varanasi by district administration has ignited widespread protests.
• The incident has caused significant political and social unrest, particularly in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, where Ahilyabai is highly revered.
• Senior Congress leader Sajjan Singh Verma led a dharna at Rajwada, Indore, criticizing the BJP government for allegedly disrespecting Ahilyabai's legacy while celebrating her birth anniversary.
• Protesters argue that the statue symbolizes Ahilyabai's historical contributions to Kashi's ghats and temples, and its removal hurts religious and historical sentiments.
• The administration cites 'systemic and technical reasons' for the removal, but protesters reject this explanation, demanding re-establishment of the statue and temple.

Why It Matters: Removal of Ahilyabai Holkar's statue in Varanasi triggers massive protests and political backlash from Kashi to Indore.