New Delhi: The Congress on Monday launched a scathing attack on the BJP over the alleged mistreatment of Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in what it called a "shameful incident".
“‘Ye na kaam ke hain na Ram ke hain’… they are only after power and money and do not care about religion and faith,” Congress media and publicity head Pawan Khera said, criticising the BJP.
The controversy erupted after police reportedly stopped Swami Avimukteshwaranand from proceeding to the Sangam with around 200-250 followers during the Magh Mela, despite heavy crowds. Superintendent of Police Neeraj Pandey said the seer attempted to enter the bathing ghat without prior permission and later returned without taking the holy dip, citing safety concerns.
Addressing a press conference, Khera said the Swami has been on a hunger strike since the incident and accused the government of indifference. He claimed the Modi government deployed its "troll army" against the seer because he did not comply with them.
Khera added, "Saints do not bow before kings; kings bow before saints. The prime minister should intervene, otherwise you are not ‘Sanatani’… you are ‘Dhanatani’." He criticised the government for allowing Z+ security for RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat while stopping the Swami from the Shahi Snan.
The Congress leader further said the Swami raised concerns over mismanagement at Mahakumbh, prana pratishtha of a half-built temple, and the handling of COVID-related deaths in the Ganga.
Khera also referenced previous incidents, including the Udaipur killing of Kanhaiya Lal and the situation in Odisha, alleging selective protection and injustice.
The Magh Mela drew more than 4.52 crore devotees for the Mauni Amavasya holy dip at the Sangam on Sunday, officials said.
With PTI inputs