Archive · 25 Jan 2026
UP Leaders Clash Over Shankaracharya Protest
A religious leader named Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand is protesting at the Magh Mela in Prayagraj because he says the mela administration was mean to him and his followers.
He wants an apology before he will take a holy bath in the river.
Two important leaders in Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath and Keshav Prasad Maurya, disagree about how to handle the situation.
Adityanath seems to support the mela administration, while Maurya supports the Shankaracharya.
A man named Dr Gajendra Singh Yadav complained to a human rights commission about the police's behavior during the event.
The commission is looking into it.
Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand is protesting at Magh Mela, demanding an apology from the mela administration for alleged misconduct.
UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya supports the Shankaracharya, while CM Yogi Adityanath's remarks are seen as indirect criticism.
The protest began after the mela administration asked the Shankaracharya to leave his palanquin and walk to the Sangam without followers.
Dr Gajendra Singh Yadav filed a complaint alleging police misconduct with the Shankaracharya's disciples, which the UP State Human Rights Commission is examining.
The political disagreement highlights a rift between Adityanath and Maurya, with the latter accusing some of not believing in the party's traditions.
- Who
- Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand, Yogi Adityanath, Keshav Prasad Maurya, Dr Gajendra Singh Yadav
- What
- Protest by Shankaracharya over alleged police misconduct and political disagreement
- When
- January 18, 2024 (Mauni Amavasya) to present
- Where
- Magh Mela, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
- Why
- Shankaracharya demands apology from mela administration for alleged misconduct; political disagreement between UP leaders
- Complainant
- Dr Gajendra Singh Yadav
- Alleged Incident Date
- January 18, 2024 (Mauni Amavasya)
- Location
- Magh Mela, Prayagraj
- Commission Action
- Forwarded complaint to Prayagraj Police Commissioner
- Commission's Stance
- No opinion expressed on the merits of the complaint
- Protest Location
- Triveni Marg, Sangam area
- Key Figures
- Yogi Adityanath, Keshav Prasad Maurya, Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand
Sources
UP State Human Rights Commission issues directions on alleged police misconduct with Shankaracharya’s disciples
Clashes Break Out Outside Swami Avimukteshwarananda Saraswati's Camp At Magh Mela, Security Requested
Yogi Adityanath-Keshav Maurya rift resurfaces over Shankaracharya protest at Magh Mela - Telegraph India
UP BJP in a bind over Swami Saraswati row as SP, Congress rake up ‘insult to Sanatan Dharma’
Vedic ritual and Mahayajna performed at Magh Mela for protection of Hindus in Bangladesh
