CM Dhami Urges No Politics Over Swami Avimukteshwaranand Controversy, Hopes for Quick Resolution

Muzaffarnagar/Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, during a brief stop in Muzaffarnagar while traveling from Delhi to Dehradun on Wednesday, addressed the controversy surrounding Swami Avimukteshwaranand, urging that the matter not be politicized. He expressed optimism that the dispute between the Shankaracharya and the government would be resolved soon. Following the stopover, CM Dhami departed for Dehradun by helicopter, where he was received at the police lines by Uttar Pradesh minister Kapil Dev Agrawal and several BJP leaders.

Speaking to the media at the Muzaffarnagar police lines, CM Dhami highlighted the historical and cultural ties of Muzaffarnagar to Uttarakhand, referencing the Rampur Tiraha incident and noting that he pays homage every year on October 2 to the martyrs of the Uttarakhand movement.

Focus on Char Dham Pilgrimage Safety
Addressing concerns over mobile restrictions during the Char Dham pilgrimage, Dhami emphasized that the safety of all pilgrims remains the government’s top priority. “The Char Dham Yatra continues to grow in scale, and every necessary measure is being taken to ensure a secure and hassle-free journey for all devotees,” he said.

Dispute Between Shankaracharya and Government
On the recent controversy at the Prayagraj Magh Mela involving Swami Avimukteshwaranand, CM Dhami stated, “This is not a political issue, and politics should not be played over it. I am hopeful that this matter will be resolved soon, as the government is actively addressing it.”

Rakesh Tikait Condemns Mistreatment of Shankaracharya
National spokesperson of the Bharatiya Kisan Union, Rakesh Tikait, condemned the alleged mistreatment of the Shankaracharya in Prayagraj. He remarked that India belongs to its sages and farmers, and any disrespect toward spiritual leaders poses a risk to the nation. Tikait criticized the way the situation was handled, particularly at sacred sites like the Triveni Sangam, saying, “The method used to stop the Shankaracharya was completely wrong. The police should have ensured that he was accorded due respect during the bathing rituals. The video showing him being dragged by his hair is deeply condemnable. Such behavior toward any saint is unacceptable.”

MSP Law Demands Continue
On farmers’ issues, Tikait reiterated that the minimum support price (MSP) is still not being guaranteed effectively. He urged that a legal framework be established to ensure MSP for farmers, noting that discussions with the government in 2021 had yet to yield concrete results. He called for a “revolution of ideas” to address the pressing challenges faced by the agricultural sector.