New Delhi: The BJP has moved into damage-control mode after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath used the term “kaalnemi” in remarks widely seen as an indirect attack on Jyotish Peeth Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, even as the state government continues to hold a hard line on the issue.
The controversy stems from an incident at the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, where the Shankaracharya was stopped by the police from proceeding to the Sangam for a holy dip on a palanquin. When he refused to comply with instructions to move on foot, a clash broke out between the police and his supporters, escalating into scuffles and damage to the canopy of the palanquin.
Unable to take the holy dip, the Shankaracharya alleged that his disciples, including teenage priests, were beaten inside and outside police custody. Videos showing young priests being assault ed, including one in which a priest is dragged by his tuft of hair (shikha), later went viral. He also claimed that seer Mukundanand Swami was injured and alleged the action was politically motivated, following his criticism of officials over the January 2025 Mahakumbh Mela stampede.
Saraswati has been sitting on a dharna since January 18, protesting the police action. His supporters have accused the government of targeting priests and insulting saints under the guise of rule enforcement.
The issue soon acquired a political dimension, with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav extending support to the Shankaracharya and UP Congress chief Ajay Rai meeting him and criticising what he described as a threatening mindset towards dharmacharyas. Rai also accused the BJP government of damaging temples in Varanasi, allegations that have previously drawn criticism from multiple quarters.
The Chief Minister, however, showed no sign of conciliating. Speaking at an event on Thursday, Adityanath said several “kaalnemis” misuse religion to weaken Sanatandharma and asserted that anyone acting against dharma, regardless of appearance, cannot represent the Sana-tan tradition. Kaalnemi is a mythological figure from the Ramayana who disguises himself as a seer to deceive Hanuman.
The remark triggered a sharp backlash from Saraswati’s camp. His aide and media in-charge, Shailendra Yogiraj, questioned whether Adityanath himself was not surrounded by “kaalnemis”, alleging that saffron-clad individuals close to power lived lavish lifestyles and indulged in misconduct.
Yogiraj said the Shankaracharya had developed a fever due to the prolonged dharna and insisted that the protest would end only if the same officials involved in the earlier police action escorted Saraswati for the holy dip. “So far, no one from the administration or police has come to meet us,” he said.
In contrast to the Chief Minister’s stance, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Maurya on Thursday said he bowed before the Shan-karacharya and appealed to him to take the holy dip and bring the matter to a close. Senior BJP leaders said Maurya’s remarks reflected the party’s concern over the controversy snowballing, especially with several prominent seers criticising the treatment of Saraswati’s supporters.
“It is an election year, and the issue has given the SP and Congress an opportuni ty to gain political mileage,” a BJP leader said, adding that the party risked being portrayed as anti-saint despite its traditional alignment with religious leaders.
Another leader warned the controversy could hurt the BJP ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, noting that the temple-related allegations in Varanasi had not yet faded. “Maurya’s statement signals that the BJP does not want this issue dragged further,” the leader told TDG.
A section of seers, however, has backed Adityanath. Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad chief Ravindra Puri said the language used by Saraswati against the Chief Minister was unbecoming of a saint. Swami Rambhadracharya of Tulsi Peeth in Chitrakoot also sided with the government, saying no injustice had been done and that the notice issued to the Shankaracharya for attempting to proceed to the Sangam on a palanquin was in line with established rules.
