New Delhi: Amid the heavy protest on social media, the authorities have retracted the decision of levying a fee for entry to the Namo Ghat, as reported by news agency PTI. Varanasi Smart City project PRO Shakhambhari Nandan said, that the decision was taken back on Wednesday after directions from higher officials. Earlier, former Minister of State of Samajwadi Party Manoj Rai Dhupchandi said that BJP is destroying the thoughts and names of all those personalities who have once been against this anti-socialist ideology.
"Now without paying, people won't be able to reach Maa Ganga for religious works. This was done for the first time in the history of Kashi. My party will protest it," he said.
Meanwhile, Congress leader and former MLA Ajay Rai also criticised the govt for levying entry fees, saying now in the prime minister's constituency, the tax will be imposed for roaming on ghats and in parks.
He accused the government of "commercialising faith" after "ruining" the country’s economy.
"People of Kashi will give you a reply for this," he added.
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In the year 2019, PM Modi inaugurated the Namo Ghat which was built in two phases. Namo Ghat is the first such Ghat of Kashi which is connected by water, land and air. There are three large sculptures in the form of hands folded in "namaste" that has been built at a cost of 34 crores. Namo Ghat is about half a kilometer long in which Make in India and Vocal for Local have been promoted. GAIL India has also built a floating CNG station at this ghat.
Here's how people reacted to the decision of levying an entry fee: