Political tempers flared in Lucknow as Samajwadi Party spokesperson Ashutosh Verma accused the BJP government of hypocrisy in its treatment of spiritual leaders. At the heart of the row is the recent sexual harassment case registered against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and his disciple at Jhunsi station, following a complaint by Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj from Tulsi Kunj.
Addressing IANS, Verma minced no words: ‘Saints must remain above petty political fray. The BJP, positioning itself as the saints’ champion, ought to follow SP’s example from yesteryears.’
He harked back to 2013, when Rambhadracharya’s university grappled with allegations of fund misappropriation—diverting public money for infrastructure—and favoritism in key postings. A prolonged investigation culminated in a 2012 fraud FIR. However, SP’s Mata Prasad Pandey, then opposition leader and Speaker, along with ministers, intervened decisively. Emphasizing Rambhadracharya’s atonement, they secured the case’s dismissal via the Chief Minister’s intervention.
‘Learn from that maturity,’ Verma implored. In a positive note, he applauded West Bengal’s Mamata Banerjee for pledging state jobs to families of BLOs who perished amid the SIR exercise. ‘Her actions reflect true solidarity with the marginalized—poor, OBCs, Dalits, minorities—bolstering faith in leadership among employees.’
With elections looming, this controversy exposes fault lines in how parties navigate faith and law. The silence from BJP camps only fuels speculation of strategic maneuvering.