■   Granting official ‘Rajyamata’ status to the cow in Uttar Pradesh, on the lines of Maharashtra and Nepal

■   Imposing a complete ban on all bovine meat exports from the State

Ultimatum to UP Govt

■ The government has been given 40 days to act on the demands. Failure to do so, the statement warned, would lead to a gathering of saints in Lucknow on March 10–11, during which the Chief Minister could be publicly branded a “fake Hindu.”

■ The statement concluded by urging the public to view the issue not as a personal confrontation, but as a broader struggle for the protection of Sanatan Dharma.

Allegations of repression against cow protection movements in independent India were raised at a special press conference addressed on behalf of a Shankaracharya on Wednesday, with sharp criticism directed at the Uttar Pradesh government and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Speakers recalled the 1966 cow protection movement in Delhi, describing it as a turning point when devotees and saints were allegedly killed in police firing and prominent Sanatani leaders, including Dharmasamrat Swami Karpatri Maharaj, faced severe action. They claimed that raising demands for cow protection and strict enforcement of anti-slaughter laws has historically invited repression from governments.

Drawing parallels with the past, the Shankaracharya’s representatives alleged that cow protection supporters associated with the present movement are facing intimidation and attempts to discredit their religious authority. Questions, they said, are being raised over the legitimacy of the Shankaracharya, with efforts made to tarnish his image within the Sanatani community.

The statement alleged that these actions are being carried out under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath through close associates, a charge the government has not yet responded to.

Declaring that the movement would continue undeterred, the Shankaracharya reaffirmed commitment to cow protection along with the wider Sanatani community. In a pointed message addressed to the Chief Minister, it was stated, “You have sought proof of our position; now it is time for the Chief Minister to present proof of his being ‘Hindu’.”

Responding to demands that religious authority be “certified,” the speakers said that religion does not require certificates, while asserting that political leadership must demonstrate its commitment through action.