Cong protests against UP-Govt move to deny Avimukteshwaranand holy dip:Patwari slams Yogi for demanding certificate from Shankaracharya

Accusing the BJP government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of attacking Sanatan traditions, saints, and religious beliefs, Congress leaders on Friday held a hunger strike and protest at Roshanpura Square in the state capital. The protest was led by former minister PC Sharma and was attended by State Congress President Jitu Patwari.

Congress leaders strongly condemned the BJP government over the alleged insult of Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and his disciples, the oppression of saints, and attempts to demolish sacred sites such as Kashi’s Manikarnika Ghat. Allegation of demanding a certificate from Shankaracharya
Addressing the gathering at the protest site, PCC chief Jitu Patwari said that for thousands of years, the authority of Jagat-Guru Shankaracharya in Sanatan traditions has been self-established and sustained, but today he is being asked for certificates. He alleged that under the governments of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Jagat-Guru Shankaracharya was barred from taking a holy dip in the Ganga, which goes against Sanatan traditions and practices. ‘No one has ever dared to stop a Shankaracharya’
Patwari said that in India’s history, no one has ever dared to stop a Shankaracharya from taking a holy dip in the Ganga, but the BJP government, which claims to protect and preserve Hindu interests, has done so. He questioned why, in a Sanatan tradition where diversity has always been India’s strength, a Shankaracharya was prevented from performing Ganga Snan.

“This is not politics, it’s the question of faith”
The PCC chairman said that the issue is not linked to any political ideology, but is connected to India’s identity and dignity. Referring to the alleged mistreatment of saints and young disciples (batuks), he said that footage showing acts causing physical and mental suffering had emerged.
Patwari added that even if the guilty are not punished while in power, they will eventually have to face the consequences of their actions. He appealed to all followers of Sanatan traditions and citizens to take the issue seriously.

BJP Government disparaged
During the protest, Congress leaders accused BJP of using religion for political gain and said that such leaders would be exposed before the public. Jitu Patwari described the entire episode as linked to India’s faith and dignity and strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi.