Kashi Demolitions Reveal Communal Faultlines

Vishwanath Temple Corridor causes anxiety among Hindus and Muslims

- Omar Rashid

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor, considered Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pet project in his constituency, may not only alter the topography of the ancient city but also lay bare its communal faultlines.

Critics complain that dozens of small old temples, most in residential complexes, were destroyed along with the scores of shops and 'Mayans' to clear the way for the project. They see the demolitions as a loss to the Hindu cultural heritage of the city. At least 296 structures have been identified by the government for demolition to provide direct access to the temple from the Ganga.

The mood can be gauged outside Gate No. 3 of the Mughal era Gyanva-pi Mosque, which shares a boundary with the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Hopes gone

Rajiv Sharma points to the rubble behind him. Till a couple of months ago, his source of livelihood, a saloon, stood there. Today, he is unemployed. The building was acquired and demolished.

His frustration reveals the communal faultlines of the city where the project has caused anxiety among both communities, and threatens to create mutual distrust. "If this act is not anti-Hindu, what is? Demolish a single Muslim house, then see what happens. They only touched a chabutra and Muslims from several localities gathered in the streets," said Mr. Sharma.