A major road-widening project in Dal Mandi – a dense, centuries-old market near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi – has left hundreds of shopkeepers and residents staring at displacement. “It is well known that the majority of buildings, shop owners and residents here are Muslims. Local BJP municipal councillor Indresh Kumar Singh defends the project, saying many structures are unsafe or encroach upon the road. The project will transform the cramped spaces into a functional, safe, and economically productive area, and ease pilgrim movement,” he said. Alam responds by saying that lakhs of buildings in Varanasi are akin to structures in Dal Mandi.

Source: The Hindu March 02, 2026 06:13 UTC