Swami Saraswati's Political Tussles: A History of Clashes with BJP, SP, BSP, and Congress
Amid escalating tensions with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the self-proclaimed Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath, has a long history of run-ins with various governments. While his current friction with the BJP has captured headlines, his fraught relations extend to past administrations led by the Samajwadi Party (SP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre.
Recent Protests and Ultimatums
Last week, Swami Saraswati concluded an 11-day sit-in protest in Prayagraj, where he alleged that the local administration prevented him from taking a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam on Mauni Amavasya on January 18. Upon returning to his math in Varanasi, he issued a 40-day ultimatum to CM Yogi Adityanath, demanding the declaration of gau mata as rajya mata and an end to cow meat exports. He emphasized that the Magh Mela dispute was over for now but would be revisited next year, urging the CM to address his demands as proof of being a Hindu.
Background and Early Life
Swami Saraswati, 56, originally named Umashankar Pandey, hails from Brahmanpur village in Pratapgarh district, Uttar Pradesh. He moved to Gujarat for studies, where he met Dwarka Shardapeethadhishwar Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati, who inspired him to study Sanskrit in Kashi (Varanasi). During his time in Varanasi, he entered student politics, serving as vice-president and later president of the Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya students' union, initially as an Independent and then as an ABVP nominee.
Spiritual Journey and Elevation
In 2000, he took Deeksha of Naisthik Brahamcharya, adopting the name Anandswaroop, and in 2003, he received Sanyas Deeksha, becoming Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati. His elevation to Shankaracharya occurred on September 12, 2022, following the passing of Swaroopanand Saraswati, with the coronation performed as per the latter's written will. However, this title has been contested, with the Magha Mela Authority issuing a notice citing a 2022 Supreme Court order that questions his use of the Shankaracharya designation.
Legal and Political Controversies
The notice from the Mela Authority, dated January 19, referenced a pending Supreme Court appeal, stating that no Dharmacharya can be consecrated as Shankaracharya until the court disposes of the case. In response, Swami Saraswati's team threatened legal action, accusing the authority of interfering with traditional practices. His media in-charge, Yogiraj Sarkar, noted that previous challenges to his coronation remain unresolved in court.
History of Conflicts with Governments
Swami Saraswati has been a vocal critic of various governments over the years:
- BJP Government: He blamed the Adityanath administration for a stampede at the Mahakumbh Mela in January 2025, which killed at least 30 people. In January 2024, he declined to attend the Ram Temple consecration in Ayodhya, objecting to the ceremony for an under-construction temple.
- SP Government: In 2015, under Akhilesh Yadav's rule, police cracked down on protesters, including Swami Saraswati, who were demanding Ganesha idol immersion in the Ganga at Varanasi, leading to violence and arson.
- BSP Government: He opposed the demolition of the Rani Bhawani temple during Mayawati's tenure.
- Congress-led UPA Government: He led the Ganga Andolan and excommunicated Rahul Gandhi from Hinduism for allegedly insulting the Manusmriti.
Political Reactions and Support
During his recent protest, UP Congress chief Ajay Rai backed Swami Saraswati, with AICC's Pawan Khera criticizing the BJP for its handling of the seer. The SP, led by Akhilesh Yadav, accused the BJP of disrespecting Sanatan Dharma. From the BJP, Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya urged the seer to take a holy dip and promised action against disrespectful officials, while CM Adityanath warned against those conspiring to weaken Sanatan Dharma without naming anyone.
Swami Saraswati's Stance and Activism
According to his media in-charge Sanjay Pandey, Swami Saraswati is neither a supporter nor an opponent of any particular party. His activism includes:
- Protecting idols and temples during the Kashi Vishwanath corridor development under Adityanath's first term.
- Launching the Ramsetu Rakasha Andolan and Ganga Seva Abhiyan, which led to Ganga being declared a national river by the UPA government.
- Fighting for the construction of the Ram Temple.
His multifaceted engagements highlight a consistent pattern of challenging authority across political spectrums, making him a significant figure in India's socio-political landscape.
