Senior UP Tax Officer Resigns in Support of PM Modi and CM Yogi, Countering Protest Exit
In a significant development in Uttar Pradesh, a senior tax officer submitted his resignation on Tuesday, expressing strong support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. This move comes as a direct counter to a protest resignation by another officer just a day earlier, further intensifying a political-religious standoff linked to Swami Avimukteshwaranand.
Ayodhya GST Officer's Emotional Resignation
Prashant Singh, the deputy commissioner of GST in Ayodhya, formally tendered his resignation to the governor. In his resignation letter, Singh stated that derogatory remarks made by Swami Avimukteshwaranand against the Prime Minister, Chief Minister, and Home Minister had deeply hurt him. He announced his intention to dedicate himself to social work after leaving his position. A video of Singh appearing tearful while discussing his decision quickly circulated on social media platforms, drawing widespread attention.
Contrasting Resignations Highlight Deepening Rift
Singh's resignation followed that of Alankar Agnihotri, the city magistrate of Bareilly, who resigned on Monday. Agnihotri's resignation was in protest against the new University Grants Commission regulations and alleged disrespect shown to Swami Avimukteshwaranand by authorities in Prayagraj. Despite efforts by officials to persuade him to withdraw his resignation, Agnihotri refused and was seen carrying posters critical of the Bharatiya Janata Party, highlighting the polarized nature of the situation.
Officer Cites 'Rajkiya Dharma' in Resignation Letter
In his detailed resignation letter, GST officer Prashant Singh wrote, "The government provided me with a job because of which I am able to look after my family. I, therefore, believe it is my 'rajkiya dharma' (political duty) to follow the state employees' rules and register my protest against the insult of the state government, the Chief Minister, and the Prime Minister." He further described Avimukteshwaranand's comments on Yogi Adityanath as "against the Constitution and democracy" and accused the seer of enticing government employees to oppose the administration.
Roots of the Controversy in Prayagraj Magh Mela
The ongoing rift traces back to the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, where police allegedly stopped Swami Avimukteshwaranand and his followers from proceeding in a chariot for a ritual dip in the Ganga on Mauni Amavasya (January 18). Following this incident, the seer publicly criticized Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, sparking the controversy.
The next day, the mela administration issued a notice questioning why Avimukteshwaranand projected himself as the Shankaracharya of Jyotish Peeth. This notice referenced a Supreme Court order that bars enthronement until an appeal is decided. Since then, Avimukteshwaranand has been sitting in protest outside his camp at the mela site, abstaining from food and water, and demanding apologies from senior mela officials and police personnel.
Broader Implications and Political Context
This series of resignations underscores the deepening political and religious tensions in Uttar Pradesh. The contrasting reasons behind the resignations of the two officers reflect the polarized opinions surrounding the treatment of religious figures and government policies. As the standoff continues, it raises questions about:
- The influence of religious leaders on public servants
- The balance between administrative duties and personal beliefs
- The potential impact on governance and public trust in Uttar Pradesh
The situation remains fluid, with both sides holding firm to their positions, suggesting that further developments may unfold in the coming days.
