The dust refuses to settle on the Prayagraj Magh Mela controversy involving Jyotish Peeth Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has waded in with a powerful critique, branding the rough handling by authorities as an insult to Hindutva’s core.
Raut painted a picture of a fearless spiritual leader targeted for his candid stance. ‘Respect for the Shankaracharya is non-negotiable,’ he asserted, slamming the police’s overreach under Yogi’s watch. Across India, these figures enjoy official honors—evident from their red-carpet treatment in Maharashtra, including at the CM’s bungalow.
Turning to Eknath Shinde, Raut highlighted the former CM’s effusive hospitality just months ago: foot-washing and worship. ‘Today, not a word from him. This is the hypocrisy of so-called Hindu leaders,’ Raut fumed. He went further, calling out those who fail to protest such incidents as imposters peddling ‘cosmetic Hindutva.’
Shiv Sena (UBT) has formally condemned the event and will track developments closely. Raut’s message is clear: assaults on revered saints undermine the faith they represent. In a nation polarized by religious politics, this saga tests the boundaries of devotion versus division.
Ultimately, Raut’s rally cry demands a return to authentic values, where spiritual leaders are shielded from state aggression, fostering unity over discord.