Lucknow erupted in political drama on Thursday as Samajwadi Party spokesperson Ashutosh Verma sharply criticized the BJP government for allegedly weaponizing legal cases against saints. The controversy centers on Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, who faces serious sexual harassment charges filed at Jhunsi police station.
Verma, speaking to IANS, accused the ruling dispensation of hypocrisy. ‘We’ve repeatedly urged that saints should stay out of political battles,’ he said. ‘This government, which claims to represent saints and sages, should learn from the Samajwadi Party’s past approach.’
He recalled a 2013 incident involving Ram Bhadracharya, whose Chitrakoot-based university faced fraud charges under Section 420. ‘Back then, our Legislative Council opposition leader and Speaker Mata Prasad Pandey, alongside several ministers, rallied in his support. They argued that since he admitted his mistake, court proceedings against a saint were unwarranted. The Chief Minister used his authority to quash the entire case.’
The current complaint against Swami Avimukteshwaranand and his disciple was lodged by Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj of Tulsi Kunj. Details reveal a pattern, Verma implied, contrasting it with the SP’s leniency.
Meanwhile, Verma praised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s decision to offer government jobs to families of BLOs who died during the SIR process. ‘This is a commendable step,’ he noted. ‘Mamata has consistently shown sensitivity towards the poor, backward classes, Dalits, and minorities. It reassures government and central employees that a leader stands firmly with their families.’
As Uttar Pradesh’s political landscape heats up ahead of elections, this spat underscores deepening divides over the role of religious figures in governance. The BJP has yet to respond, but the issue promises to linger.