Tue Jan 20 14:47:35 UTC 2026: # Congress Criticizes UP Government Over Notice to Shankaracharya
The Story:
The Indian National Congress has strongly condemned the Uttar Pradesh government for issuing a notice to Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, a Shankaracharya of the Jyotish Peeth, demanding clarification on his use of the title. This controversy erupted after the seer and his followers were allegedly manhandled by police while proceeding for a holy dip at the Sangam during the Magh Mela in Prayagraj. The Congress party views the notice as an unprecedented intrusion into religious affairs and accuses the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of hypocrisy.
Key Points:
- The Uttar Pradesh government issued a notice to Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati questioning his title as Shankaracharya.
- The incident occurred after the seer was allegedly stopped and his followers manhandled by police at the Prayagraj Magh Mela on Sunday, January 18, 2026 (implied).
- Congress leader Pawan Khera criticized the government, accusing them of demanding “papers” from a Hindu seer similar to demands previously made of Muslims.
- The Congress alleges the action is retaliation for the seer’s criticism of the Narendra Modi government on issues like cow slaughter, the Ram temple consecration, and Kumbh Mela mismanagement.
- The Congress claims the action has drawn widespread concern among Hindus in India and abroad.
Key Takeaways:
- The incident highlights potential tensions between religious leaders and the government, particularly those critical of current policies.
- The Congress is attempting to leverage the controversy to portray the BJP as anti-Hindu and overreaching in its authority.
- The controversy could escalate religious polarization in Uttar Pradesh and other parts of India.
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