In a dramatic turn of events in Ayodhya, GST Deputy Commissioner Prashant Kumar Singh has tendered his resignation, citing unwavering support for Chief Minister Yogi Adityya Nath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The move comes amid ongoing investigations into corruption allegations against him, drawing sharp criticism from Samajwadi Party leader Ravidas Mehrotra, who dismissed it as a mere theatrical stunt to evade scrutiny.
Singh announced his decision publicly, emphasizing his allegiance to the government, the Constitution, and democratic values. He insisted that the resignation was submitted within the bounds of employee discipline. However, Mehrotra, speaking exclusively to IANS in Lucknow, painted a different picture. He linked the timing to recent protests led by Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand, who has been on a peaceful sit-in for over 10 days against perceived injustices by the BJP-led administration.
Mehrotra highlighted a contrasting incident in Bareilly, where a city magistrate resigned in solidarity with the Shankaracharya over alleged government harassment and derogatory remarks. ‘This GST officer, facing his own probe, suddenly flips to the government’s side—it’s pure drama to mislead the public,’ Mehrotra asserted. He questioned the logic: why would an officer resign in support when the Shankaracharya, revered as the ‘center of Hindus,’ is enduring unfair treatment?
The controversy underscores deeper tensions. Mehrotra accused the BJP government of diverting attention from pressing issues like soaring inflation, unemployment, rising crime, deteriorating healthcare, and education woes. He slammed new UGC regulations as a ploy for greater governmental control over academia, stifling students and teachers rather than fostering genuine reforms.
As political rhetoric heats up, Singh’s resignation raises questions about motives in Uttar Pradesh’s charged atmosphere. Is it genuine loyalty or a strategic escape? The public awaits clarity amid ongoing debates on governance and accountability.