UP Congress Chief Ajay Rai Takes on BJP Over Shankaracharya

Varanasi/Prayagraj, January 2026 – Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai has sharply criticised the BJP-led state government, alleging it has disrespected the institution of Shankaracharya and Sanatan Dharma, during a march towards Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi on Wednesday. Rai’s remarks reference the ongoing controversy in Prayagraj’s Magh Mela involving Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati.

The controversy began when Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand was allegedly prevented from proceeding for his traditional Mauni Amavasya sacred bath (Shahi Snan) by the Mela administration and police, leading to clashes between his followers and officials, and subsequent protests by the seer. Authorities later issued a notice to the seer questioning his use of the title “Shankaracharya of the Jyotish Peeth” amid a pending Supreme Court dispute over the position.

Speaking in Varanasi, Rai accused the state government of showing a “lack of respect” for religious traditions and institutions and linked the Prayagraj incident with the broader Manikarnika Ghat redevelopment row that has sparked protests from political parties including Congress and AAP over alleged damage to heritage structures.

Rai reiterated that the Congress party has never supported the demolition of heritage nor the insult of Sanatan values or spiritual authorities. He also used the occasion of the march in Varanasi to highlight concerns about development works at sacred sites and called on the BJP government to rethink its approach to cultural and religious sentiments.

State officials have defended the actions in Prayagraj, stating that crowd safety measures at the Magh Mela necessitated restrictions and denying that any religious figure was intentionally disrespected. The Manikarnika Ghat work has been described by authorities as infrastructure improvement, with assurances that all sacred artworks and idols are preserved and will be reinstalled.