Yogi Adityanath warns of conspiracy against Sanatan Dharma amid Magh Mela row over Swami Avimukteshwaranand

Prayagraj: The controversy surrounding Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati of Jyotishpeeth Badrinath at the Magh Mela in Prayagraj has escalated into a major political and religious flashpoint. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued a strong warning on Thursday against forces conspiring to weaken Sanatan Dharma, while opposition parties Congress and Samajwadi Party have come out in support of the Swami. Meanwhile, the Prayagraj Mela Authority has threatened to ban the Swami from future melas, prompting a sharp legal response from his team.

The dispute originated on January 18 during Mauni Amavasya, when Swami Avimukteshwaranand alleged that he and his followers were prevented from taking a holy dip at the Sangam. The district administration has denied these claims, asserting that the Swami violated crowd management protocols by crossing an emergency barrier on the Triveni Pontoon Bridge with a large procession. The Authority accused him of traveling in a carriage along the Sangam Upper Road despite repeated loudspeaker announcements restricting the area to pedestrian movement only, which they said created stampede risks among bathers.

Addressing a pran pratishtha ceremony in Haryana without naming anyone specifically, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath cautioned devotees to remain vigilant. "For a yogi, saint or an ascetic, there is nothing bigger than religion and the country. He does not have any personal property; his religion and country are his pride," he said. He further warned, "There would be many such demons, who under the pretext of religion are conspiring to weaken Sanatan Dharma. We need to be watchful and alert against such people."

The matter quickly took a political turn, with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav demanding an apology from the authorities for allegedly discriminating against saints. Congress leader Ajay Rai organized a puja in Varanasi in solidarity with the Swami, amplifying the opposition's support campaign.

Tensions intensified when the Magha Mela Authority issued a notice to Swami Avimukteshwaranand, questioning his use of the "Shankaracharya" title based on a 2022 Supreme Court order and demanding an explanation within 24 hours. A separate notice warned of revoking land and facilities provided to his organization and permanently barring him from future Prayagraj melas due to the alleged protocol violations.

In a strongly worded reply, the Swami's legal team, led by Supreme Court lawyers including Dr. P.N. Mishra, clarified that he was carried in a "palki" by devotees, not a chariot, and urged the Authority not to interfere in Shankaracharya matters. They dismissed the notices as beyond the jurisdiction of administrative officers, threatening civil, criminal, and constitutional action if any "arbitrary, illegal, unconstitutional, malicious or unfair" steps were taken. The reply accused the Authority of attempting to disrupt religious activities and violate fundamental human rights, while confirming that a detailed legal response had already been submitted.