Seer Issues Ultimatum to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Over Cow Protection
In a bold confrontation that has stirred religious and political circles, Swami Avimukteshwaranand has publicly challenged Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to demonstrate his Hindu faith through concrete actions. The seer, who recently returned from Prayagraj's Magh Mela without taking a holy bath, delivered this ultimatum during a press interaction at Shri Vidya Math in Varanasi on Friday.
A Direct Challenge with a 40-Day Deadline
The spiritual leader presented two specific demands to the state government, setting a strict deadline of forty days for compliance. Firstly, he insisted that the cow be officially declared as 'rajya mata' or the state mother of Uttar Pradesh. Secondly, he called for an immediate and complete ban on all beef exports from the state. Failure to meet these conditions, the seer warned, would result in a significant gathering of saints in Lucknow on March 11, where they would collectively declare Chief Minister Adityanath a "fake Hindu."
"Stop wielding the stick on Sanatani Hindus and stop the export of beef immediately, or else on March 11 we will declare you a non-Hindu," Swami Avimukteshwaranand asserted, directly addressing the Chief Minister. He further clarified that no apology had been offered by the administration for any perceived misconduct, dismissing attempts to placate him with symbolic gestures like showering flowers during bathing rituals.
Historical Context and Allegations of Persecution
The seer framed his demands within a broader historical narrative of cow protection movements in India. He lamented that advocating for laws against cow slaughter has often been met with severe repression, citing the tragic 1966 cow protection movement in Delhi as a prime example. During that period, he recounted, numerous cow devotees were killed by government forces, and prominent Sanatanis, including Dharmasamrat Swami Karpatri Ji Maharaj, faced various atrocities.
Swami Avimukteshwaranand alleged that similar injustices are being perpetrated today against him and his supporters. "For raising the same voice, various kinds of atrocities and injustices are being inflicted on us and the cow devotees supporting us in this work," he stated. He accused the administration of demanding proof of his status as Shankaracharya and attempting to tarnish his image among the Sanatani community, implicating Chief Minister Adityanath's trusted associates, such as Rambhadracharya, in these efforts.
A Call for Proof Beyond Symbolism
Turning the tables on the Chief Minister, the seer emphasized that being Hindu transcends mere speeches or the wearing of saffron robes. "Its test is cow service and protection of dharma," he declared. He referenced his own willingness to provide certification of his position and tradition when demanded, asserting that truth fears no evidence. Now, he argued, it is the Chief Minister's turn to furnish proof of his Hindu identity to the entire Sanatani society.
"You demanded our certificate; now the Chief Minister must provide proof of being a Hindu," Swami Avimukteshwaranand proclaimed, underscoring the shift in accountability.
Statistical and Comparative Arguments
To bolster his case for a beef export ban, the seer highlighted concerning data regarding Uttar Pradesh's role in India's meat trade. He pointed out that the state accounts for over forty percent of the country's total meat exports. While official records label these exports as 'buffalo meat', he alleged a widespread practice where cattle are slaughtered and shipped under this guise without proper DNA testing to verify the meat's origin.
"There is a huge difference between the number of buffaloes in the state and the quantity of meat exported," he noted, suggesting discrepancies that raise questions about the sourcing of the meat. Furthermore, he drew comparisons to other regions, citing Maharashtra's declaration of indigenous cows as 'state mother' and Nepal's recognition of the cow as its national animal, urging Uttar Pradesh to adopt similar honors.
An Unwavering Resolve Amidst Tensions
Despite the alleged pressures and attempts to discredit him, Swami Avimukteshwaranand affirmed his steadfast commitment to the cause of cow protection. He vowed to continue his efforts alongside all Sanatanis, undeterred by the challenges. The ultimatum stands as a pivotal moment, placing the ball firmly in Chief Minister Adityanath's court to respond with actions that align with the seer's interpretation of Hindu dharma.
The coming weeks are poised to be critical, as the March 11 deadline approaches, potentially setting the stage for a major religious and political showdown in Lucknow. The seer's demands have ignited a debate that touches on faith, governance, and animal welfare, with implications that could resonate far beyond Uttar Pradesh's borders.
