Lucknow, February 19 (IANS). The dispute between Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati of Jyotish Peeth and the administration at the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh has now become a political issue. The rhetoric regarding the matter is intense and political allegations and counter-allegations are not showing signs of stopping.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak honored Batuks by inviting them in large numbers at his official residence on Thursday. During this, the Batukas welcomed him by presenting him flowers and expressed gratitude for his support.
A Batuk told IANS that the Deputy CM raised his voice and gave him respect. The second Batuk said that he had come to thank Sanatan Samaj for standing in favor of him and raising the issue of injustice done to him.
Meanwhile, UP government minister OP Rajbhar said, “It is clear that according to the principles of Hindu religion, as Brajesh Pathak has said, pulling someone by the ‘choti’ is against the traditions of Hindu religion and is wrong. This is right.”
He said that there is sin and virtue in Hindu religion. So, what he has said about being considered a sin is correct. As far as law and order is concerned, strict action will be taken against anyone who plays with the law.
Earlier, SP MLA Shivpal Yadav had given a sharp reaction on Wednesday. He said that if Brajesh Pathak is so sad then he should resign from his post. He also said that the Batuks have been insulted by the government and cabinet of which they are a part. Earlier, Akhilesh Yadav has also cornered the government on this issue and has targeted Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath several times.
The controversy started on the day of Mauni Amavasya, when Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand was going to take bath in Sangam riding on Saraswati palanquin. It is alleged that during this time the police stopped him, after which he had a heated argument with the officers.
Swami Avimukteshwarananda had accused the administration of preventing him from taking Sangam bath and misbehaving with Batukas. They also allegedly showed photographs of policemen who were accused of braid pulling and staged a sit-in over the same issue.
–IANS
VKU/ABM