A senior GST officer in Ayodhya has made headlines by resigning in defense of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, rattled by Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati’s provocative statements. Prashant Kumar Singh, Deputy Commissioner in the UP GST Ayodhya division, chose a constitutional path by sending his resignation to the Governor, framing it as a stand for loyalty over mere employment.
In a heartfelt media interaction, Singh revealed his anguish: ‘I’m a sensitive person. I can’t ignore attacks on my Chief Minister or Prime Minister.’ His voice cracked as he shared the news with his wife over the phone, underscoring the depth of his convictions amid the ongoing dispute.
Roots of the conflict lie in Prayagraj, where during the auspicious Mauni Amavasya, the Swami accused authorities of blocking his holy immersion and assaulting followers. Officials countered that crowd management necessitated the restrictions, with no chariot procession allowed to avert a potential tragedy. Disciples’ attempts to break barricades led to measured police action, prioritizing safety.
The row amplified with challenges to the Swami’s Shankaracharya status, currently before the Supreme Court. Singh’s detailed resignation praises Yogi and Modi, decrying the ‘irresponsible remarks’ as divisive. He affirmed his role supports the state’s welfare-driven government, refusing to act mechanically.
This marks the second such bureaucratic revolt in 48 hours, after Bareilly’s City Magistrate resigned over parallel issues. In Uttar Pradesh’s charged atmosphere, where faith and politics intertwine, Singh’s gesture reveals fractures within the administration. It poses questions about officer morale and the impact of religious leaders’ rhetoric on governance, with implications for Yogi’s administration still unfolding.