Akhilesh Yadav Condemns BJP for Historic Disruption of Sanatan Tradition at Magh Mela
In a significant political statement on Wednesday, Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav strongly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for what he described as an unprecedented event in Sanatan tradition. The former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister highlighted the departure of Jagatguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimuktesharanand from the Magh mela pilgrimage in Prayagraj without taking the holy dip at Triveni Sangam.
An Unprecedented Incident in Religious History
Akhilesh Yadav emphasized that this marked the first time in history that a Shankaracharya has returned from the Magh mela without completing the sacred ritual. He attributed this disruption entirely to what he called "BJP ego and arrogance." According to the SP chief, the incident occurred after a 10-day sit-in protest by the Shankaracharya outside his camp, following the state administration's prevention of his Palki (palanquin) from proceeding to Sangam for the holy bath on January 18, 2026.
Global Sanatan Community Deeply Affected
The political leader expressed grave concern about the broader implications of this event. "Sanatanis of the entire world were not only hurt by the treatment meted out to Shankaracharya but also suspicious of an unknown fear because of the disruption in age old traditions," Akhilesh stated. He described Swami Avimukteshwaranand's retreat from the Magh Mela as a 'damaging incident' that has shattered a practice followed since time immemorial.
Political Power Versus Spiritual Authority
Akhilesh Yadav made a clear distinction between political authority and spiritual reverence in his remarks. "No political post can be bigger than a saint or seer's honour. BJP has proved that it is not committed to Sanatan. Today all Sanatanis are feeling hurt from within," the former UP CM asserted. He suggested that the BJP and its allies could have demonstrated humility by respectfully carrying the Shankaracharya's Palki on their shoulders to Triveni Sangam, but were prevented by what he termed "the arrogance of power accrued through corrupt practices."
Warning from Hindu Religious Texts
The SP chief invoked traditional wisdom to underscore his criticism. "The essence of Hindu religious texts is that arrogance and pride inevitably punish even the strongest and most capable," Akhilesh remarked. He concluded with a powerful warning: "Ahat sant athart satta ka ant (A hurt saint can lead to the end of a reign)." This statement reflects his belief that disrespect toward spiritual leaders carries serious consequences for those in power.
Akhilesh Yadav's comments came hours after Shankaracharya Swami Avimuktesharanand concluded his Prayagraj stay and departed for Kashi, following the unresolved dispute with the state administration. The SP leader emphasized that "nobody can be at peace after hurting seers and saints" and stressed that committing an error is less significant than failing to make amends and seek pardon for such mistakes.
