Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Questions Why Pundrik Goswami Was Given Guard of Honour

Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh – Nagina MP and Azaad Samaj Party (Kanshiram) National President Chandrashekhar Azad has raised strong objections over the Guard of Honour conferred upon the renowned storyteller Pundrik Goswami, terming it a blatant attack on the Constitution. He alleged that the Uttar Pradesh government now prioritizes faith over the Constitution, indicating a dangerous trend where the state is gradually abandoning its constitutional character.

MP Chandrashekhar shared a video on Thursday, reportedly from Bahraich about a month ago, showing Pundrik Goswami receiving the Guard of Honour at police lines.

In a detailed post accompanying the video, Chandrashekhar Azad emphasized that India is a constitutional republic, not a religious monastery, and the state cannot be the property of any particular faith.

He highlighted that awarding a Guard of Honour to a storyteller or religious figure is not merely an administrative lapse but a direct assault on the Constitution. Such honours symbolize state sovereignty and respect for the Constitution, the nation, and martyrs, not to enhance the prestige of any religious figure or guru.

Chandrashekhar further criticized the so-called governance under CM Yogi Adityanath, stating that faith is being placed above the Constitution, religion above law, and storytellers above constitutional authority. He added that this incident reflects that the administration is now subservient to religious authorities rather than accountable to the Constitution.

Key Questions Raised by MP Chandrashekhar

• Who is Pundrik Goswami?
• What constitutional position does he hold?
• Under which law or protocol was he awarded a Guard of Honour?
• Has religious identity now become a new government protocol in Uttar Pradesh?

He also reminded the Chief Minister of constitutional provisions:

1. Preamble – Declares India a secular nation; the state cannot serve any single religion.
2. Article 15 – Prohibits discrimination or privileges based on religion.
3. Articles 25–28 – Mandates state neutrality in religious matters; no ceremonial reverence should be offered.

MP Chandrashekhar concluded by stressing that the Constitution is supreme, not any religion, declaring:
“Jai Bhim, Jai Bharat, Jai Constitution, Jai Science.”

This controversy underscores the growing debate over the role of religion in state functions and adherence to constitutional principles in Uttar Pradesh.