Swami Avimukteshwaranand Questions Yogi Adityanath’s Claim to Asceticism, Escalates War of Words During Cow Protection March

A fresh political and religious controversy has erupted in Uttar Pradesh after Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati openly questioned whether Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath could truly be described as a sanyasi or renunciate, pointing out that the head of the state government receives a salary and official benefits from the public exchequer.

The seer made the remarks on Monday while addressing followers in Unnao during his ongoing “Gau Dharma Yuddh Yatra”, a march he has undertaken from Varanasi to Lucknow to mobilise support for stronger cow protection measures in the state.

Growing confrontation between the seer and the government

The tensions between Swami Avimukteshwaranand and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Uttar Pradesh have been intensifying since the Magh Mela held earlier this year.

During that religious gathering, differences surfaced after statements were made about individuals allegedly misleading devotees and exploiting religious platforms.

Referring to remarks made earlier by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during the Magh Mela, the seer recalled the use of the term “Kalnemi”, a character from Hindu mythology who symbolises deceit and hypocrisy.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand said that if someone claimed that figures resembling Kalnemi had infiltrated the largest spiritual congregation of the Hindu community, it became necessary to determine who among the religious figures was genuine and who was merely presenting themselves as saints while behaving differently.

“We began examining the conduct of the state’s biggest Hindu leader”

Continuing his remarks, the seer said discussions among his supporters led them to examine the conduct of prominent Hindu leaders in the state.

“If the question arises about identifying true and false religious figures, it is natural to begin with the most influential Hindu leader in the state,” he said. “When we examined the conduct of Yogi Adityanath, we found that he receives salary and allowances from the Uttar Pradesh government.”

He argued that according to traditional religious principles, a sanyasi is expected to renounce worldly possessions and material privileges, including financial compensation.

“A renunciate gives up material gains and follows a path rooted in detachment and non-violence,” he added.

Deadline to clarify religious identity

Swami Avimukteshwaranand also referred to a statement he had made earlier in which he had asked the chief minister to clarify within 40 days whether he truly regarded himself as a Hindu committed to the ideals he publicly advocates.

According to the seer, 38 days of that deadline have already passed, leaving only a short time before he expects a response.

“In the next two days, when our march reaches Lucknow after passing through Naimisharanya, the sacred pilgrimage site located on the banks of the Gomti River in Sitapur district, the difference between genuine and pretentious leadership will become visible,” he said.

Cow protection campaign at the centre of dispute

Swami Avimukteshwaranand said the principal aim of his ongoing march is to draw attention to what he claims is a decline in the cow population in Uttar Pradesh.

Citing livestock census estimates, he alleged that the number of cows in the state has reduced by approximately 18 to 19 lakh since 2012.

At the same time, he claimed that exports of beef from India have continued to grow, raising questions among those who consider the cow sacred.

The seer further alleged that some companies associated with the meat export industry had reportedly contributed funds to the BJP.

He questioned whether the political support of gau bhakts — people who consider themselves protectors of cows — could coexist with financial contributions from businesses linked to cow slaughter.

“Can the devotion of those who worship the cow and the money of those connected with its slaughter be placed in the same basket?” he asked.

According to him, the march represents the “shankhnaad,” or clarion call, for what he described as a Dharma Yuddh — a moral struggle to defend the sanctity of the cow.

Support once extended to the BJP

The seer also reminded the public that many religious leaders had earlier supported the BJP because of its commitment to cow protection.

“The BJP rose to power with the backing of those who believed that the party would safeguard the cow,” he said. “However, people’s patience is beginning to run out. The issue of protecting the cow cannot be indefinitely delayed.”

Rejects link to upcoming elections

Responding to allegations that his campaign might be politically motivated ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections scheduled for next year, Swami Avimukteshwaranand rejected the claim.

He insisted that citizens have the democratic right to question governments after electing them.

“Is the public’s responsibility limited to casting votes once every five years?” he asked. “We supported them and helped bring them to power. Therefore, we also have the right to seek answers when promises are not fulfilled.”

Reaction to allegations and train attack claim

The seer also responded to accusations levelled against him by Ashutosh Brahmachari, who has filed a complaint alleging molestation of two minor girls and recently claimed he was attacked during a train journey to Prayagraj.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand said photographs shown to him of the alleged attack appeared suspicious.

“From what we have seen, it seems possible that the incident may have been arranged to gain sympathy or divert attention from my ongoing yatra,” he said.

He added that the case registered under the POCSO Act is already before the courts and that he would address the allegations through legal proceedings rather than public debate.

Despite rejecting the claims, he said that if Ashutosh Brahmachari felt threatened, the state government should ensure his safety.

“There is no need for any form of violence,” he said. “The allegations are already being handled through legal channels.”

March is nearing its destination

Swami Avimukteshwaranand commenced the march from Varanasi on March 7 and has been travelling through several districts while addressing public gatherings.

The procession is expected to reach Lucknow on March 11, where the seer plans to formally launch a broader campaign described as a “Dharma Yuddh” movement centred on cow protection and religious issues.

As the march approaches the state capital, the exchange of sharp remarks between the religious leader and the state government has added a new dimension to the political and ideological debate unfolding in Uttar Pradesh.

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