Congress Party to Initiate City-Wide Awareness Drive Over Alleged Insult to Shankaracharya in Prayagraj
The Congress party has announced plans to launch an extensive awareness campaign across every ward of Prayagraj, mobilizing against what it describes as a grave insult to Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati. This decision follows a contentious incident during the Magh Mela that has sparked political and religious controversy in the holy city.
Party Meeting and Resolution
On Saturday, a significant meeting of Congress office-bearers and leaders was convened at the party office in Chowk, Prayagraj. During this gathering, a formal proposal was passed to initiate the awareness campaign, as confirmed by Congress spokesperson Haseeb Ahmad. The resolution underscores the party's commitment to addressing the issue at the grassroots level, aiming to engage citizens directly in each ward of the city.
Allegations of Insensitivity and Politicization
Congress leaders have leveled serious accusations against the BJP-led administration, citing a lack of communication and insensitivity from responsible officials. Mukund Tiwari, Pradesh Congress general secretary, emphasized that the alleged insult extends beyond the revered Shankaracharya to the entire Sanatani community. He stated, "The party would take this issue to the masses through the awareness drive to expose the character, conduct and face of the BJP."
Further amplifying these claims, Vivekanand Pathak, State Congress general secretary, alleged that under BJP rule, even saints and seers are not safe from such incidents. He accused the administration of transforming Prayagraj, a city of profound religious significance, into a political arena under government pressure, thereby undermining its spiritual heritage.
Demands for Administrative Action
In response to the controversy, Congress leaders have made specific demands for accountability. They have called upon the governor to take suo motu cognisance of the matter, urging immediate administrative action to address the grievances. This move highlights the party's strategy to leverage constitutional mechanisms in pursuit of justice and transparency.
Root Cause of the Controversy
The controversy stems from an incident during the Magh Mela, where Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the head of Jyotirmath in Badrinath, was allegedly prevented by Mela police and administration officials from taking a holy dip at Sangam on Mauni Amavasya. This event has ignited widespread debate, with many viewing it as a disrespectful act towards a prominent religious figure and the traditions associated with the sacred site.
As the Congress party prepares to roll out its ward-level awareness campaign, the political landscape in Prayagraj is set to intensify, with implications for both local governance and broader religious sentiments in the region.
