Archive · 28 Jan 2026
UP Officers Resign Over Political and Religious Tensions
Two government officers in Uttar Pradesh, Prashant Kumar Singh and Alankar Agnihotri, have resigned from their jobs.
Singh, who works as the GST Deputy Commissioner in Ayodhya, quit because he was very upset by some disrespectful comments made by a religious leader named Swami Avimukteshwaranand against the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He felt that since he earns his salary from the government, he couldn't stay silent.
Agnihotri, the Bareilly City Magistrate, resigned because he disagreed with new rules made by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
He thinks these rules could cause problems and make people from different castes fight each other.
Agnihotri also said that someone was trying to harm him and that he might go to court to fight for his rights.
Both officers have caused a big discussion and controversy in the state.
Additionally, there was a dispute during the Magh Mela in Prayagraj where police allegedly stopped the Shankaracharya from proceeding to the Sangam for a ritual holy dip, leading to a sit-in protest by the Shankaracharya.
Prashant Kumar Singh, Ayodhya GST Deputy Commissioner, resigned in support of CM Yogi Adityanath and PM Narendra Modi due to remarks by Swami Avimukteshwaranand.
Alankar Agnihotri, Bareilly City Magistrate, resigned over disagreement with new UGC regulations and alleged a conspiracy against him.
Agnihotri staged a sit-in protest and plans to approach the high court if necessary.
Both officers' resignations have sparked significant administrative and political controversy in Uttar Pradesh.
The UGC regulations aim to prevent caste-based discrimination but have been criticized for potentially fueling social unrest.
- Who
- Prashant Kumar Singh (Ayodhya GST Deputy Commissioner) and Alankar Agnihotri (Bareilly City Magistrate)
- What
- Resigned from their positions in protest against government policies and controversial remarks
- When
- Within two days of each other, with Agnihotri resigning first
- Where
- Ayodhya and Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh
- Why
- Singh resigned due to remarks against CM Yogi Adityanath and PM Narendra Modi, while Agnihotri resigned over disagreement with UGC regulations and alleged conspiracy
Supporters of UGC Regulations
Opponents of UGC Regulations
UGC Regulations
Supporters of UGC Regulations
The regulations are necessary to prevent caste-based discrimination and protect SC, ST, and OBC students.
Opponents of UGC Regulations
The regulations are harmful and could lead to discrimination against general category students and fuel social unrest.
- Name
- Prashant Kumar Singh
- Position
- Ayodhya GST Deputy Commissioner
- Reason for Resignation
- Remarks against CM Yogi Adityanath and PM Narendra Modi by Swami Avimukteshwaranand
- Controversial Figure
- Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati
- Second Resignation
- Bareilly City Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri
- UGC Regulations
- Aimed at preventing caste-based discrimination in higher education
- Agnihotri's Allegations
- Claims of a well-planned conspiracy against him and attempts to detain him
- Magh Mela Incident
- Police allegedly stopped Shankaracharya from proceeding to the Sangam for a ritual holy dip
- Shankaracharya's Protest
- Sit-in protest abstaining from food and water, demanding a formal apology from the administration
Sources
'Jiska Namak Khate Hain...': Ayodhya GST Commissioner Breaks Down In Tears After Resigning Over Remarks Against CM Yogi - VIDEO
New twist to Avimukteshwaranand controversy: Another senior UP officer resigns in govt’s support
Shankaracharya vs Yogi Adityanath Escalates, Ayodhya Bureaucrat Resigns
Resignation row: Facing inquiry, suspended Bareilly city magistrate claims ‘well-planned conspiracy’
GST deputy commissioner resigns in Ayodhya over Avimukteshwaranand issue
VIDEO: Ayodhya State Tax Deputy Commissioner Prashant Singh Resigns Over Shankaracharya’s Remarks Against UP CM Yogi Adityanath
UP GST officer resigns over Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand's remarks, cites moral duty to PM Modi and CM Yogi
Shankaracharya row: Ayodhya GST commissioner resigns, cites moral duty - 'When I saw my CM and PM are being insulted...'
UP GST officer quits over Shankaracharya's remarks against Adityanath
Ayodhya GST Official Prashant Kumar Singh Resigns Over Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Magh Mela Controversy and Political Tensions
Was ‘disturbed’ by Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s remarks’
