Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has responded for the first time to the controversy involving Swami Avimukteshwaranand, stating clearly that the title of Shankaracharya is determined by established rules and traditions, and cannot be self-proclaimed.
Speaking in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly during the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address, the Chief Minister emphasized that the dignity of any constitutional or religious post is governed by a defined system.
“Can anyone roam around the state claiming to be Chief Minister, Minister, or National President of a party? There is a system and a structure, and everyone must follow it,” he said.
Shankaracharya Title Based on Tradition and Recognition
CM Yogi said that the position of Shankaracharya holds the highest respect in Sanatan tradition but is conferred strictly according to established religious procedures and recognition.
He explained that only a person authorized by the Vidvat Parishad (Council of Scholars) can be appointed as Shankaracharya.
“Not everyone can simply write Shankaracharya before their name,” he asserted.
He further referred to Adi Shankaracharya’s historical establishment of four Peethas (monastic centers) in four directions of the country:
- Jyotish Peeth in the North
- Sringeri in the South
- Jagannath Puri in the East
- Dwarka in the West
Each Peeth corresponds to one of the four Vedas — Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda — and continues to operate under established religious norms and scholarly oversight.
“Even the Chief Minister is Not Above the Law”
CM Yogi emphasized that governance and institutions function within constitutional limits.
“The post of Chief Minister is also not above the law. We are all bound by constitutional provisions and know how to follow and enforce them,” he said.
Reference to Magh Mela Incident
Referring to an incident during Magh Mela, the Chief Minister stated that around 4.5 crore devotees attended on Mauni Amavasya.
He noted that any attempt to enter through exit gates in such large gatherings could endanger lives and potentially cause a stampede.
“How can any responsible person behave in such a manner?” he questioned.
Allegations Against Samajwadi Party
CM Yogi accused the Samajwadi Party (SP) of misleading people on the issue. He questioned why, if the concerned individual was indeed a Shankaracharya, action such as lathi-charge and FIR had previously been taken against him in Varanasi during the SP’s tenure.
“You talk about morality? If you wish to worship someone, you may do so. But we believe in discipline and the rule of law,” he said.
He further alleged that SP had also spread confusion in matters related to SIR and Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar.
“Faith and Development Go Together”
The Chief Minister accused the opposition of opposing major religious development projects, including:
- Ram Temple in Ayodhya
- Kashi Vishwanath Dham
- Development of Mathura-Vrindavan
He claimed that during the SP government, events like Janmashtami celebrations were restricted, Kanwar Yatra was disrupted, and the 84-Kosi Parikrama in Ayodhya was halted.
“Sanatan faith cannot be imprisoned,” he stated.
CM Yogi added that Uttar Pradesh’s revival model integrates both faith and development. Events such as Deepotsav and Rangotsav have connected millions of people and contributed to the state’s GDP growth.
