Yadav slams BJP over demolition at Bismillah Khan's Varanasi residence

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav launched a scathing attack on the BJP and its coalition partners on Wednesday, accusing them of orchestrating the demolition at the residence of Ustad Bismillah Khan, the renowned shehnai maestro, in Varanasi. Taking to social media, Yadav characterized the ruling party and its allies as "orthodox conservatives with a narrow mindset," suggesting a deliberate targeting of the historic property.

The demolition has triggered significant political controversy, with opposition leaders questioning the rationale behind the action and its timing. Bismillah Khan, a Bharat Ratna recipient and cultural icon, had maintained his residence in the holy city for decades, making the incident particularly sensitive given its intersection with heritage preservation and communal harmony.

Varanasi municipal authorities have distanced themselves from the demolition, denying any official role in the action. However, the denial has done little to quell political outrage, with the incident becoming the latest flashpoint between the Samajwadi Party and the ruling BJP ahead of upcoming political contests in the state.

The controversy underscores broader tensions in Uttar Pradesh's political landscape, where heritage sites and historical properties have occasionally become subjects of dispute between opposing parties. Questions remain regarding who authorized the demolition and whether proper procedures were followed before the structure was partially razed.