New Delhi, 19 January (H.S.): Congress strongly condemned the alleged police action against Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati on Monday, when he was reportedly stopped from proceeding for his ritual bath on Mauni Amavasya during the Magh Mela, with his disciples subjected to pushing and shoving.

Party spokesperson Pawan Khera addressed a press conference at Congress headquarters, denouncing the incident and appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for intervention. He declared the entire Congress stands in solidarity with saints, expressing collective anguish over the mistreatment meted out to Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand.

Since this incident, the Shankaracharya has been on fast unto death, yet no government functionary seems concerned. Saints' humiliation pains everyone, Khera stated.Khera accused the BJP government of fostering administrative anarchy everywhere.

He emphasized that arrangements for saints' royal baths during Magh Mela have ancient precedence, predating even Mughal and British eras. No government ever stopped saints from their Shahi Snan. While this regime bars saints from bathing, VIP facilities are arranged for wealthy individuals during grand Kumbh events. This hypocrisy merits condemnation.

Asserting Congress does not engage in religion-based politics nor tolerate it, Khera described Mauni Amavasya Shahi Snan as an unbroken tradition that cannot be obstructed. He demanded Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister issue a public apology and announced the state Congress would soon contact the Shankaracharya to pressure authorities.

Notably, during the Mauni Amavasya procession on Monday, Prayagraj police requested Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati to abandon his palanquin and proceed on foot citing crowd density. Expressing displeasure, a scuffle ensued between his supporters and police, prompting the enraged Shankaracharya to commence his fast.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar