On Thursday (May 7), Jyotirmath Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand reached Ballia as part of his cow protection yatra, after offering prayers at the Maharishi Bhrigu temple. He started giving political comments while addressing the media.
His desperation against CM Yogi and the BJP and his soft corner towards former Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee were evident in his media interaction.
Questions Over Violence in West Bengal
Speaking on the violence that followed the election results in West Bengal, the Shankaracharya questioned the role of the police. He said there could be only two explanations: either the police lacked the strength to control the situation, or it allowed the violence to continue.
It shows he does not understand the nature of Bengal politics and especially the nature of TMC in post-election violence. Just to show his soft corner to TMC, he questioned the BJP and the Armed forces.
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He also commented on Bengal’s former CM Mamata Banerjee’s decision not to resign. He said the move did not amount to a constitutional crisis. Although he is not a constitutional expert, he commented just to favour a party chief who has been known for anti-Hindu stances in Bengal.
He knowingly or unknowingly equated Maharashtra political developments and court proceedings to the current Bengal situation, reflecting his limited knowledge of politics and the constitution.
Cow Protection at the Centre of Political Criticism
Swami Avimukteshwaranand did not keep himself away from commenting on UP politics. He said he saw little difference between former CM Akhilesh Yadav and CM Yogi on the issue of cow protection. According to him, neither government delivered the level of protection that many Hindu groups expected.
However, he totally missed CM Yogi’s affection and work for cow protection in UP and across the nation. CM Yogi has made UP agriculture cow-centric by utilising cow products to its protection.
He also made clear that he will be involved in the 2027 election directly or indirectly by saying he would support a leader who publicly commits to protecting cows as a priority.
Remarks on Prayagraj and BJP
Just to attack CM Yogi, the Shankaracharya reffered to a past incident in Prayagraj, he said he had not received any apology from the UP government. He added that forgiveness cannot become meaningful unless those who suffered in that episode receive justice.
Question on his Neutrality
The remarks have raised questions about his neutrality as a religious guru, especially related to political involvement. It shows Shankaracharya’s desperation and frustration against the BJP, especially with CM Yogi. He repeatedly targets Yogi Adityanath, who has been a symbol of Hindus in UP and accross India, yet Shankaracharya appears less direct about the attacks on Hindus during Mamata Banerjee’s tenure in West Bengal.
