‘Can’t tolerate insult’: Ayodhya official resigns amid Yogi–Shankaracharya face-off

The controversy began earlier this month during the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, where the Shankaracharya and his supporters alleged that authorities prevented them from taking a ceremonial dip at the Sangam.

The administration denied the charge, stating that the saint’s chariot procession was halted to avoid a possible stampede in the heavily crowded area and that he was asked to proceed on foot like other devotees.

Terming the move an “insult,” the Shankaracharya launched a protest, leading to a sharp exchange with the chief minister. Without naming him, Yogi Adityanath cautioned against figures resembling “Kalanemi” — a demon from the Ramayana who disguised himself as a saint to mislead Lord Hanuman.

Responding strongly, the Shankaracharya said the chief minister, now a politician, should focus on governance and leave religious matters to spiritual leaders.

“A chief minister should talk about education, health, law and order and prosperity, not religion,” he said.

The Shankaracharya also weighed in on the recent University Grants Commission rules proposing special committees and monitoring mechanisms to address grievances, particularly from SC, ST and OBC students.

Critics have argued the framework could lead to discrimination against general category students.

Calling the move divisive, he said no caste could be labelled inherently just or unjust and warned that pitching communities against each other could harm Hinduism. He urged the government to withdraw the rules.

On Tuesday, Ayodhya Deputy GST Commissioner Prashant Kumar Singh resigned, saying he could not tolerate what he described as insults directed at Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other constitutional authorities.

“I have resigned in support of the government, the chief minister, the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, the Constitution and democracy,” Singh said, adding that the Shankaracharya’s remarks were divisive.

Calling the government his “annadata,” Singh said he felt morally bound to step down rather than continue in service. He said he plans to take up social work after his resignation is accepted.