A confrontation amidst mounting mistrust between the Uttar Pradesh government and Swami Avimukteshwarananda Saraswati—recognised by his followers as the 45th Shankaracharya of Jyotishpeeth—has snowballed into an unprecedented political and spiritual flashpoint, dividing not only the saint community but also the state’s ruling BJP. With state assembly polls schedule next year, the happenings have turned out to be a ‘timely’ and ‘much needed’ fodder for the oppoition.
The Flashpoint at the Sangam
The controversy erupted on Mauni Amavasya, when the seer alleged he was stopped by the administration from taking a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam and that his disciples were mishandled. Prayagraj district officials denied any wrongdoing, claiming he attempted to enter the Sangam with a large group of 100–200 followers without the required permission.
Enraged, the Shankaracharya began a dharna outside his camp and declared he would wait for the same set of senior officials to seek pardon and escort him respectfully to Sangam for the holy dip. However, the Basant Panchami snan also passed off but the officials relenting to do so.
The Shankaracharya, infuriated over this, launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, saying the CM was “not worthy of being called a Hindu” and accusing him of supporting temple demolitions.
Yogi’s ‘Kaal Nemi’ remark raises temperature
Days later, CM Adityanath, without naming anyone, issued a sharp warning against “Kaal Nemi–like forces” allegedly plotting to weaken Sanatan Dharma under the guise of protecting it.
“There will be many such Kalnemis… we must remain cautious,” he said during a ceremony in Haryana. The mythical Kaal Nemi, a demon from the Ramayana, had disguised himself as a sage to deceive Hanuman.
Maurya counters Yogi, calls Shankaracharya ‘Bhagwan’
Within hours, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya appeared to counter the CM’s tone, coming out openly in support of Avimukteshwarananda. Referring to him reverentially as “Bhagwan Shankaracharya”, Maurya said: “Any insult to a revered saint is unacceptable. An inquiry will be done, and action taken if anyone is guilty.”
Urging the seer to end his dharna and take the holy dip, he added that the matter should be resolved respectfully.
Earlier, BJP leader Sunil Bhalara, too, had criticised the alleged treatment of the seer, calling it an insult to Sanatan Dharma.
BJP caught between Two Camps
The differing statements from the CM and the Deputy CM have reportedly created confusion within the party. Political analysts admitted: “The incident has rejuvnated a dying and depresed opistion in UP. This is the first time the divide between Yogi and Maurya has surfaced so openly.”
Magh Mela authority issues notice
Escalating tensions further, the Magh Mela Authority issued a notice questioning the seer’s use of the title “Shankaracharya,” citing a 2022 Supreme Court stay on his coronation.
Saint Fraternity Splits Too
While some saints and the All India Akhara Parishad backed the government—pointing out that there is no shahi snan during the Magh Mela—others have expressed sympathy for Avimukteshwarananda.
Opposition Steps In
The Aam Admi Party, Samajwadi Party and the Congress have accused the Yogi government of targeting the Shankaracharya for criticising its decisions, including: the “half-built” Ram temple consecration, alleged mismanagement of the Kumbh, and handling of Covid-era bodies found in the Ganga.
A History of Confrontations with BJP Governments
This is not Swami Avimukteshwarananda’s first public clash with a BJP-led government. Last year, after a stampede during the Kumbh, the seer had directly held the Yogi Adityanath government responsible. He had even warned that such incidents would continue if Yogi remained chief minister, signalling an unusually sharp critique from a prominent religious figure.
Skipping the Ram Temple Consecration
Earlier, Avimukteshwarananda had refused to attend the Ram Temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya in January 2024, despite receiving an invitation. He questioned the decision to hold the ceremony in a partially constructed temple, arguing that consecrating a half-built structure violated the principles of dharma. He also underlined the role of religious leadership in ensuring that important rituals are carried out properly in a democratic society.
Targeting the Centre Over Cow Protection
His criticism has not been confined to the Uttar Pradesh government. The seer has previously targeted the Narendra Modi-led Central government as well, accusing it of failing to take meaningful steps toward cow protection—an issue he has repeatedly described as central to the country’s cultural and spiritual ethos.
Social Media Labels vs. His Political Past
Owing to his frequent and sharp criticism of both the state and central BJP governments, a section of social media users has branded Avimukteshwarananda as “anti-BJP.” His outspoken views and uncompromising tone have only amplified this perception.
Once an ABVP Student Leader
But this popular perception ignores a significant part of his past. Before taking to the spiritual path, Avimukteshwarananda was active in student politics and was associated with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the RSS. His earlier ideological roots stand in contrast to the political labels now being attributed to him.
Mistrust Mounts: CCTV Wall Goes Up Around Shankaracharya’s Camp
Tension at the camp of Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati escalated on Saturday (January 24) as the standoff with Magh Mela officials entered its seventh day. In a sign of deepening mistrust, the Shankaracharya’s followers installed nearly 10 CCTV cameras around the premises, claiming the administration had been putting up notices “under the cover of darkness.” Every entry and exit is now under surveillance, they said, even as plainclothes LIU personnel from state and central agencies were spotted keeping watch nearby.
Shalendra Yogiraj Sarkar, PRO for the Shankaracharya, said the heightened surveillance had become unavoidable. He alleged that officials might “plant something” to frame the disciples and accused the administration of trying to shift attention away from its own lapses by targeting the Swami. He added that the support pouring in from various political parties had further rattled the government, sharpening the ongoing confrontation.
“Bulldozer Baba” chants trigger tension at Shankaracharya Camp
A group of men holding flags, banners and sticks created a brief commotion at the camp of Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati late Saturday (January 24) shouting political slogans. The men were reportedly chanting “We love Bulldozer Baba” and “Yogi Adityanath Zindabad,” prompting strong objections from supporters present at the camp.
Sources said the disturbance began when the group tried to enter the premises. Supporters blocked their entry and pushed them out. The incident, recorded on mobile phones, quickly went viral on social media.
The PRO of the Shankaracharya, said that around 5–7 individuals carrying flags attempted to force their way inside around 10.30 pm while raising slogans in favour of the Uttar Pradesh chief minister. He said he immediately alerted the SHO of Sector‑4 police station. Some disciples also expressed concern that the Shankaracharya’s life could be in danger.
What Next?
As the seer continues his dharna after Basant Panchami bathing, the standoff shows no signs of easing. Meanwhile, the BJP’s silence at the state leadership level—and the rare public divergence between its top two leaders—has added a new dimension to the unfolding controversy.
