Congress Leader Accuses BJP of Targeting Shankaracharya in Varanasi
In a significant development in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee chief Ajay Rai has extended his unwavering support to Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, whose authority as a Shankaracharya has been recently challenged by the Prayagraj administration. Rai has leveled serious allegations against the BJP-led governments at both the Centre and the state, claiming that the revered seer is being systematically harassed despite his lifelong dedication to propagating knowledge, values, and dharma in society.
Allegations of Anti-Sanatan Stance
After performing traditional rituals at a cattle shed in the Ishwargangi area on Thursday, Ajay Rai launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party. He asserted that by insulting Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the Uttar Pradesh government has conclusively proven its anti-Sanatan stance. "It is truly shameful for the entire Sanatan community that a spiritual leader of such stature, who has devoted his life to guiding society, is now being forced to prove his credentials as a Shankaracharya," Rai stated emphatically.
The Congress leader expressed deep concern over the situation, highlighting that compelling a respected seer to undertake a hunger strike to protect the honor and existence of the Shankaracharya seat and Sanatan dharma is an unfortunate and distressing development. Rai further condemned what he described as assaults on elderly saints and Batuks, questioning the BJP's proclaimed commitment to protecting cows and Sanatan values.
Contradictions in BJP's Claims
Rai pointed out a glaring contradiction in the BJP's position, noting that while the party claims to be the protector of cows and Sanatan dharma, Uttar Pradesh has paradoxically emerged as one of the largest exporters of beef in the country. The Congress leader vowed that his party would continue to highlight these inconsistencies between the BJP's claims and their actual deeds by standing firmly with Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati in his struggle, thereby exposing what he termed as the BJP's anti-Sanatan face.
Concerns Over Manikarnika Ghat Development
The criticism extended beyond the treatment of the Shankaracharya to include concerns about development activities at Manikarnika Ghat. Rai alleged that the original soul and spiritual essence of this sacred ghat have been damaged in the name of modernization, despite its global recognition as a center of faith for Sanatan dharma and a pilgrimage site considered the gateway to moksha (liberation).
In a bold challenge to the government, Rai demanded concrete proof regarding the preservation of idols at the site. He challenged authorities to publicly display the idols to prove they were not broken during development work, and to substantiate claims that videos showing idol destruction were artificially generated using AI technology.
Congress Presence and Support
The event saw significant participation from local Congress leaders, demonstrating the party's collective support for the cause. Party's city chief Raghavendra Chaube was present along with several prominent members including:
- Satnam Singh
- Manish Moroliya
- Chanchal Sharma
- Vijay Deval
- Hasan Mehdi Kabban
- Narsingh Das Verma
This show of unity underscores the Congress party's commitment to standing with religious leaders and protecting what they describe as the core values of Sanatan dharma against what they perceive as systematic undermining by the ruling establishment.
