Many individuals are weakening Sanatan Dharma by hiding behind Kalnemi Dharma, stated Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath amid the Shankaracharya controversy.
Core Dispute
The conflict between Jyotish Peeth’s Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and the UP Yogi Adityya Nath government has taken a new turn. Following chaos on Mauni Amavasya (January 18, 2026), the Magh Mela Authority issued a backdated notice. It threatens to revoke his camp’s land allocation and facilities, plus impose a permanent ban on his future mela entry.
Key Incident
At around 9 AM on Mauni Amavasya, Shankaracharya arrived at Sangam with 200 followers and a palanquin for bathing. Administration claims he organized an unauthorized “VIP-style” procession, broke barricades, and blocked the return route for three hours. In dense fog and peak crowds, this endangered lakhs of devotees and disrupted arrangements.
Official Stance
Police Commissioner and Divisional Commissioner emphasized no special vehicle access for saints or VIPs; everyone followed general devotee rules for equality and safety. Yet, police reportedly beat followers harshly and blocked the path, escalating tensions.
Notice Warning
The notice reads: “Your actions fragmented Mauni Amavasya arrangements and threatened devotees’ safety. Within 24 hours, justify why land, facilities shouldn’t be canceled and you banned from the mela forever.”
