VARANASI, Nov. 12 -- The Dal Mandi road widening project in Varanasi has sparked a political uproar, with opposition parties and local traders accusing the administration of harassment and procedural violations, while the government insists the project is in the public interest.

Samajwadi Party MP from Chandauli, Veerendra Singh, on Tuesday demanded the immediate cancellation or postponement of the project, alleging that it violates provisions of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013. In a letter to the Varanasi district magistrate, Singh said the widening work should be halted until all statutory procedures are completed. He accused the administration of using police and administrative harassment against traders.

Singh met more than 300 trade...