AAP Leader Sanjay Singh Leads Padayatra In Varanasi

VARANASI: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh led a massive foot march (Padayatra) in Varanasi today, launching a scathing attack on the BJP government regarding the Manikarnika Ghat dispute and the recent administrative notice served to Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand.

Manikarnika Ghat Dispute:

Demands: Singh demanded that a case be registered against the "sinners" responsible for demolishing parts of the historic Manikarnika Ghat.

Protest: He asserted that AAP's protest regarding the vandalism at the ghat will continue and stated he would soon reply to the police notice he received.

Support for Shankaracharya:

'Dadagiri': Singh expressed anger over the notice issued to Swami Avimukteshwaranand, terming it administrative "dadagiri" (bullying). He questioned the Mela administration's locus standi to intervene when the matter is already sub-judice in court.

Cow Slaughter Allegation: He alleged that the administration is targeting the Swami because he demands a ban on cow slaughter, whereas the BJP allegedly accepts donations from companies involved in beef exports.

Investment & Elections:

Hollow Promises: mocking the investment summits (referencing New York), Singh asked the government about the whereabouts of the previously claimed ₹45 lakh crore investment in UP, calling BJP's promises hollow.

Poll Strategy: He announced that AAP will contest the upcoming Panchayat elections alone with full strength, and any decision on alliances will be taken only after these polls.