‘Once Yogi Adityanath Decides, He Does Not Retreat’
A supporter described the essence of Yogi Adityanath's meeting with the RSS in these exact words.
This meeting took place in Kanpur right after Holi. Top leaders of the RSS and UP BJP had gathered to discuss preparations for the 2027 UP elections.
On the very day a Yogi supporter was briefing a prominent political thinker in Delhi about the Kanpur meeting, news was breaking across the country regarding the failure of Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s Lucknow program.
Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand's Lucknow event was on March 11, and the RSS meeting in Kanpur had taken place five days prior.
A major point of discussion in this meeting was the absence of UP’s two Deputy CMs, Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak. It was claimed they were not invited. The implications of this were also discussed during the Delhi meeting.
A well-known supporter, who arrived in Delhi after gathering information and discussing with RSS representatives from Braj, Awadh, Kashi, and Kanpur who attended the meeting, shared:
“RSS leaders shared feedback with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, BJP State President Pankaj Chaudhary, and General Secretary (Organization) Dharampal.”
Feedback from RSS Leaders
RSS leaders pointed out that the ‘new UGC rules and the dispute between Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and UP CM Yogi Adityanath are not sending a good message.’
‘This is upsetting even those voters who have consistently voted for the BJP over several past elections. Such voters don’t just support the party; they build the narrative (mahaul), and currently, the atmosphere on the ground looks completely unfavorable.’
The Chief Minister and the BJP State President were informed that the prolonged nature of the Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand dispute is being perceived as ‘government high-handedness.’
What is the Dispute?
The controversy began at the Magh Mela in Prayagraj. While there was much talk about the Shankaracharya not being allowed to reach the banks of the Ganges in a palanquin, there was even more discussion about the alleged manhandling of young disciples (Batuks) and their hair (choti) being pulled.
Claims of internal government differences surfaced at the time when Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya requested the Shankaracharya to bathe, referring to him as God, while the other Deputy CM, Brajesh Pathak, performed a ritual prayer (Pujan) for the disciples at his residence in the presence of cameras.
Dharma-Yuddha!
During the briefing in Delhi, a pro-government political worker stated: Yogi Adityanath showed a positive attitude toward all other feedback and measures suggested by RSS leaders, but his stance on the Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand issue was very rigid.
He stated—Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is not ready to listen to anything on this issue. He is not prepared to back down at any cost. He has taken it as a 'Dharma-Yuddha'.
The supporter reminded—the dispute started on January 18. it could have been avoided. It was originally a matter between the administration and Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand.
What is the Reason for the Resentment Against the Shankaracharya?
He claimed—the Shankaracharya unnecessarily escalated the matter and began attacking Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directly. It was also claimed that the Shankaracharya’s team immediately got in touch with major opposition leaders to secure statements in the media.
Meanwhile, Yogi Adityanath maintained his silence. However, when Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand continued personal attacks and blocked all attempts at finding a middle ground, Yogi Adityanath mentioned ‘Kalnemi’ (a deceptive character from Ramayana) during a rally in Haryana. Even then, he did not name the Shankaracharya.
‘No Compromise on Respect’
The supporter claimed that Yogi Adityanath is the Mahant of a prominent and highly respected monastery. He has a massive following and is respected within the saint community.
However, the Shankaracharya attacked him in a manner never seen before. He compared him to Aurangzeb and alleged he is not a Hindu. Many felt that in doing so, the Shankaracharya crossed the line of decorum expected of his position.
The supporter noted that the government is still not launching any personal attacks on the Shankaracharya. Both facilities and security are being provided to him by the government.
The supporter claimed—public opposition to the Shankaracharya is growing due to his language. The way he is making personal attacks is not being well-received. Saints and scholars of Kashi have already come out against him. Since most of his support comes from the opposition, the number of people sympathizing with him in this dispute is steadily decreasing. It doesn't seem likely he can stretch this issue for much longer.
Comment on the RSS Chief Too!
He recalled that Avimukteshwaranand has also made controversial remarks about RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat.
In February, Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand had said, “RSS Chief Bhagwat should get married himself before advising Hindus to produce more children.”
He says—such statements are neither liked by the RSS cadre nor by BJP supporters.
‘Will Not Bow Down’
The supporter revealed that on March 6, Yogi Adityanath told RSS leaders clearly: ‘There will be no compromise in this matter. We will not bow down.’
‘If we bow down now, it will send the wrong message. Everyone is watching what we are doing. What he is doing is also being observed.’
The issue was also raised that some people seem to be trying to fulfill personal interests amidst this dispute. It was clarified that no such individual will receive support or encouragement from the government.
The supporter claimed that Yogi Adityanath’s stance is now the stance of the entire government. While the Deputy CMs' statements previously signaled differences, they are now silent on the issue.
Yogi is the Face for 2027
The supporter also claimed that the RSS has made it clear that the 2027 elections will be fought with Yogi Adityanath as the face. Home Minister Amit Shah, among the most senior BJP leaders, had already stated in the Lok Sabha last year, ‘Even after the elections, Yogi Adityanath will be the CM in UP.’
The supporter claimed that while there are two Deputy CMs in the government, there is only one power center. The RSS conveyed the same message in its meeting.
In the meeting, State President Pankaj Chaudhary and Organization Secretary Dharampal agreed on the need to work together to address the resentment of workers and the Brahmin community.
Avimukteshwaranand’s Fading Influence?
However, Yogi Adityanath is not ready to listen to anything regarding Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand. The failure of Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand’s Lucknow program five days after the Kanpur meeting showed that the support he claims to have is currently not with him.
The BJP organization and RSS leaders also remember how the alleged resentment of Yogi Adityanath during the 2024 general elections affected the results. Issues like the alleged neglect in ticket distribution and being ignored in campaign materials had escalated then. After reports of losses emerged, Yogi Adityanath’s photos were given space on hoardings alongside PM Narendra Modi, but it didn't provide the expected damage control.
Whatever Yogi Wants, Will Happen!
The RSS and BJP now want to avoid any such situation. The supporter briefed that RSS leaders have realized a strong Yogi Adityanath is necessary not just for 2027, but also for the 2029 general elections.
And, despite the lead Akhilesh Yadav gained in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, it is claimed that as of today, Yogi Adityanath holds the lead in UP. He has regained lost ground, and the soft stance adopted by Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati toward him is also being seen as a strategy to win UP.
Supporters even claim that the resentment of Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand is proving beneficial for Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. It is uniting Yogi's supporters, who feel the Shankaracharya has become part of a campaign whose sole objective is to remove Yogi Adityanath from power.