Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand was prevented from taking the traditional royal bath on Mauni Amavasya during the Magh Mela in Prayagraj triggering clashes between the seer’s supporters and the police. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera strongly criticised the BJP and the Uttar Pradesh government over the treatment of Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand.  He condemned the alleged prevention of the Shankaracharya from taking the traditional royal bath (Shahi Snan) calling it a violation of age-old religious tradition that has survived even Mughal and British rule.

Khera accused the government of insulting Hindu saints while claiming to protect religious traditions. He showed video clips of clashes between the seer’s supporters and the police, claiming that disciples were assaulted and the Shankaracharya was stopped from proceeding in his palanquin.

He also pointed out a perceived double standard, questioning why RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat receives Z-plus security and a large entourage, whereas a prominent Hindu seer faces restrictions.

Khera demanded a public apology from the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister for the incident and stated that the Congress would engage with the Shankaracharya to press for action. He stressed that Congress does not engage in religion-based politics but cannot stay silent when traditions are disregarded.

Overall, his message was a sharp political attack on the BJP government’s handling of the situation, framing it as disrespectful to religious customs and symptomatic of broader administrative failings.

Swami Avimukteshwarand has since gone on an indefinite fast, yet no government functionary seems to be concerned. Khera said that the saints’ humiliation pains all and accused the BJP government of fostering administrative anarchy everywhere.

UP Govt issues notice

Asks to explain use of Shankaracharya title

The Mela administration has issued a notice asking him to explain how he was using the title of Shankaracharya of the Jyotish Peeth. The notice states that it is clear from the current situation that no religious leader has been consecrated as the Shankaracharya of Jyotish Peeth, yet Saraswati has declared himself as the Shankaracharya of Jyotish Peeth on a board at his camp in the Prayagraj Magh Mela of 2025-26.