Varanasi: After leaving the Prayagraj Magh Mela, Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand has launched sharp attacks on the government. Addressing a press conference in Varanasi on Friday, he said that he was asked to submit proof of being a Shankaracharya, which he provided.
“My documents were genuine, so they had to accept them. The time for demanding proof is now over. Now the Chief Minister should give proof of his Hindu identity,” he said.
He further stated:
“We are giving you 40 days. During this time, prove that you are a devotee of the cow. If you fail to do so, it will be assumed that you are a fake Hindu—like Kaalnemi—a hypocrite and a fraud. You have worn saffron robes only for show.”
Avimukteshwaranand accused the Chief Minister and Jagadguru Rambhadracharya of jointly attacking those who are demanding a ban on cow slaughter.
“If you are truly a Hindu, declare the cow as the ‘State Mother.’ Stop the export of beef from Uttar Pradesh. Otherwise, we will declare you non-Hindu,” he said.
The Shankaracharya announced that on March 10–11, saints, seers, and religious leaders will gather in Lucknow, where it will be decided who is a Hindu, who is a ‘Hindu heart emperor,’ and who should be labeled a fake or pseudo-Hindu.
He said, “The exposure of fake Hindus must now take place. A massive deception is being carried out against real Hindus. This deception is being done by a person and his party who call themselves sadhus, yogis, saints, and wear saffron.”
On leaving the Magh Mela, Avimukteshwaranand said that even an apology has a proper method.
“The administration tried to lure us, saying we could bathe separately and flowers would be showered on us. They even offered to create a protocol for all four Shankaracharyas next year. But we refused. We told them to first apologize to the ascetics who were beaten with batons. If those ascetics forgive them, only then would it be acceptable. But the administration did not come forward for this.”
He added that next year he will take a holy dip at the Sangam on Mauni Amavasya during the Magh Mela.
“For the first time in history, a ruler has asked a Shankaracharya for proof. Beef is being sold across the world from your state. Stop it within 40 days—only then will we believe you are a Hindu. If 40 days pass and nothing happens, we will come to Lucknow and, along with saints and seers, publicly condemn this,” he said.
