Ayodhya

Prashant Kumar Singh, Deputy Commissioner of GST in Uttar Pradesh, submitted his resignation on Tuesday, expressing protest against statements made by Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand targeting Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Singh stated that he was deeply disturbed by what he described as attempts to sow divisions in the country along caste and religious lines, allegedly originating from Prayagraj. He emphasized that his decision to step down reflects his support for the government, the Constitution, and the nation’s elected leadership.

“Recent actions from the sacred land of Prayagraj aimed at dividing the nation by caste and religion have deeply pained me,” Singh said. “I am resigning to stand by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the Constitution of India.”

Singh cited objectionable remarks made by Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand against CM Adityanath as the immediate cause for his resignation. As a government officer bound by service rules, he said he could not remain indifferent to such developments.

“While I earn my livelihood from the state and have family responsibilities, I cannot ignore actions that target my state and its leadership. Within the limits of my constitutional and service obligations, I felt compelled to oppose this, which is why I have resigned,” he added.

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The controversy arose after the Jyotish Peeth Shankaracharya criticized CM Adityanath following the alleged prevention of him and his followers from taking a chariot procession for a holy dip in the Ganga during the Magh Mela in Prayagraj on Mauni Amavasya, January 18. The Shankaracharya has reportedly demanded an apology from the mela administration and police officials involved.