Uma Bharti Criticizes Own Government over Shankaracharya Dispute, Tags Yogi Adityanath on Social Media

Bhopal/Prayagraj: The ongoing dispute between Swami Avimukteshwaranand and the Uttar Pradesh government over the title of Shankaracharya has drawn criticism from within the BJP. Senior BJP leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Uma Bharti has openly criticized the administration for seeking proof of Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s status as Shankaracharya, calling it a violation of his rights and traditional norms.

Uma Bharti Tags Yogi Adityanath

In a social media post, Uma Bharti tagged Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, expressing hope that the matter would reach a positive resolution. She stressed that administrative authorities have no right to demand proof of a Shankaracharya title, which is traditionally recognized only by Shankaracharyas themselves and the council of scholars. Her post also tagged BJP MPs, BJP Uttar Pradesh, the CM office, and the Jyotir Math.

Background of the Controversy

The dispute began during the Makh Mela in Prayagraj on Mauni Amavasya, when Swami Avimukteshwaranand accused the administration of negligence and went on a fast in protest. The Prayagraj Mela Authority had issued a notice to the Swami, citing a Supreme Court notice, and asked for his response regarding the Shankaracharya title.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Responds

In his reply, Swami Avimukteshwaranand explained that a Shankaracharya is a person recognized by the other three Shankaracharya Peeths. He stated that the Shankaracharyas of Dwarka Peeth and Sringeri Peeth recognize him as a Shankaracharya, and that during the last Makh Mela, both these Shankaracharyas had participated in the ritual bath alongside him. He questioned the need for any additional proof when recognized by the established Shankaracharya Peeths.

Uma Bharti’s Statement

Uma Bharti wrote, “I am confident that a positive resolution will emerge between Swami Avimukteshwaranand Ji Maharaj and the Uttar Pradesh government. However, demanding proof of being a Shankaracharya by administrative authorities is a violation of their own limits and authority. This right rests solely with the Shankaracharyas and the council of scholars.”

The BJP veteran’s intervention highlights the internal party debate over religious authority and administrative overreach in the high-profile Prayagraj religious dispute.