In a dramatic turn of events in Ayodhya, Deputy Commissioner of GST Prashant Kumar Singh has resigned from his position, citing unwavering support for Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The resignation comes amid a heated controversy sparked by statements from Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the self-proclaimed Shankaracharya whose remarks have deeply troubled the official.
Singh, who serves in the Ayodhya division of the UP GST Department, submitted his two-page resignation directly to the Governor. Speaking exclusively to reporters, he expressed profound hurt over what he called the Shankaracharya’s ‘baseless and divisive statements’ against the Chief Minister. ‘I am not a robot just taking a salary from the government,’ Singh declared emotionally. ‘If anyone speaks against my state, my CM, or my PM, I cannot stay silent.’
The trigger for this bold move traces back to a clash at Prayagraj’s Sangam Ghat during Mauni Amavasya. Swami Avimukteshwaranand alleged that he and his disciples were prevented from taking a holy dip, with administration resorting to violence. Authorities refuted these claims, explaining that permission was denied to prevent a stampede amid massive crowds at the religious gathering. They accused the Swami’s followers of attempting to breach barricades, prompting police intervention to disperse them safely.
Tensions escalated further as questions arose over the validity of Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s Shankaracharya title, a matter still pending in the Supreme Court. Singh’s emotional phone call to his wife, where he broke down while informing her of the decision, underscored the personal toll of the controversy.
This is the second high-profile resignation in recent days. On Monday, Bareilly’s City Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri stepped down, citing UGC guideline changes and the Shankaracharya’s alleged insults. As political and religious fault lines deepen in Uttar Pradesh, Singh’s stand highlights the fierce loyalty inspired by Yogi Adityanath’s leadership among some bureaucrats. The government has yet to respond officially, but the episode signals brewing unrest in administrative circles.