Samajwadi Party National President Akhilesh Yadav held a significant meeting with Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati of Jyotirmath on Thursday. During this high-profile encounter, the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, focusing on allegations of donation theft at the Ram Temple, the state of cow protection, and the broader challenges facing Sanatan Dharma. The meeting highlighted a shared concern between the political leader and the religious head regarding the current administrative handling of sacred institutions and religious values, while akhilesh Yadav expressed that he felt fortunate to receive the blessings and darshan of the revered Shankaracharya, noting that their discussion delved deeply into the perceived crisis surrounding Sanatan Dharma and the necessity of liberating religion from the clutches of those he termed as unrighteous.
Concerns Over Cow Protection and Sanatan Dharma
A primary focus of their conversation was the plight of the cow, referred to as Gaumata. Yadav noted that the Shankaracharya is extremely concerned about the current condition of cows and emphasized that serious, concrete steps are required for effective cow protection across the country. The SP chief alleged that the BJP government has failed to provide adequate protection to cows despite its political rhetoric. He stated that the discussion also covered the broader crisis facing Sanatan Dharma, suggesting that the religion is being misused for political and financial gains. According to Yadav, the current situation requires a fundamental shift in how religious and social structures are managed to protect the interests of the Sanatani community, which he claims is currently distressed by the prevailing circumstances.
Allegations of Donation Theft and CDR Investigation
The most explosive part of the meeting involved the allegations of donation theft at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, while akhilesh Yadav targeted the BJP government, demanding a thorough investigation into the matter. He specifically called for the examination of Call Detail Records (CDR) of all employees within the temple complex who were reportedly underpaid. 9 percent of those involved would turn out to be associated with the BJP. He further accused the government of double standards, stating that while opposition leaders are frequently targeted with legal cases, the complaints raised by the opposition regarding the temple's management aren't even registered as FIRs. This, he argued, undermines the democratic process and the sanctity of the religious institution.
Criticism of SIT and the Delhi-Lucknow Conflict
The Samajwadi Party leader raised serious questions regarding the Special Investigation Team (SIT) currently probing the incidents at the Ram Temple. He characterized the entire investigation as a mere eyewash or lipapoti, suggesting that the probe lacks the necessary depth and impartiality to uncover the truth. Yadav claimed that the credibility of the SIT is under question, mentioning reports that one of its members is allegedly involved in a fraud case. He framed the entire controversy as a manifestation of an internal struggle, describing it as a fight between Delhi and Lucknow. This political friction, he suggested, is affecting the governance and the integrity of the investigation into the alleged mahapaap or great sin committed at the temple.
Shankaracharya Demands Dissolution of the Trust
Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati echoed many of these concerns, expressing his own deep dissatisfaction with the current management of the Ram Temple. He asserted that big people are guilty in the donation theft case and that the current Trust should be completely dissolved. The Shankaracharya proposed that a new Trust should be formed under government supervision but led by religious authorities, while he demanded that all four Shankaracharyas be included in the Trust, along with the prominent saints and sages of Ayodhya. He argued that there is no need for administrative officers within the Trust, as their presence and attitude aren't conducive to the religious nature of the institution.
Accusations Against Govind Dev Giri and Champat Rai
The Shankaracharya specifically named individuals he believes are responsible for the irregularities. He pointed towards the Treasurer, Govind Dev Giri, stating that as the person in charge of the accounts, he's a primary culprit and should face strict action. On top of that, he labeled Champat Rai as the biggest culprit in the entire episode, questioning what Rai could possibly say in his defense now that the discrepancies have come to light. Akhilesh Yadav concluded by stating that the BJP prioritizes wealth over religion and that the country needs to change not just the mold but the entire structure to ensure justice and the protection of Sanatan values.