In a dramatic escalation of tensions within spiritual circles, prominent saint Paramhans Acharya, head of Tapasvi Chhavani in Ayodhya, has issued a stern ultimatum to Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati. The controversy stems from the swami’s alleged derogatory comments comparing Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to Mughal rulers. Acharya labeled the remarks as ‘highly condemnable and indecent,’ demanding a public apology.
Speaking exclusively on Tuesday, Acharya warned that until Swami Avimukteshwaranand retracts his words and seeks forgiveness from Yogi, he will be barred from entering Ayodhya, the sacred birthplace of Lord Ram. ‘This is not just about a political leader; Yogi is also the head of Goraksha Peeth. Such language against him is unforgivable,’ Acharya asserted, highlighting the outrage among Sanatan Dharma followers.
Acharya praised Yogi as the ‘sun of Sanatan Dharma,’ crediting him with transforming Uttar Pradesh into a model state. He argued that while disagreements are natural, public figures must maintain decorum. Turning to the swami’s ongoing cow protection campaign, Acharya dismissed it as politically motivated, insisting that declaring only cows as ‘national mothers’ falls short. ‘True protection requires safeguarding all cattle—bulls, calves, and Nandi bulls too,’ he said, urging governments to declare the entire bovine species a national heritage.
Accusing the movement of being orchestrated by opposition forces to undermine the government, Acharya called for a complete social and religious boycott of the swami until he apologizes. This rift underscores deepening divisions in Hindu spiritual leadership, with Ayodhya at the epicenter, as devotees rally behind their revered leader Yogi Adityanath.