“Those Who Haven’t Shown Their Degrees Are Demanding Proof of Shankaracharya from Swami Ji”—Sanjay Singh

Prayagraj, Jan 2026 : Sanjay Singh, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in-charge for Uttar Pradesh and Member of Parliament, visited Param Pujya Jagatguru Shankaracharya Jyotishpeeth Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati on Friday in Prayagraj. During the visit, he strongly condemned the incident in which UP police allegedly assaulted Swami Ji’s disciples.

Sanjay Singh expressed full support for Swami Ji’s movement, stating that Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and his disciples were subjected to severe injustice. He said the disciples were dragged and beaten, and even 90-year-old elders were not spared, describing the incident as a sin committed by the BJP government in UP. He added, “Those who haven’t even shown their own degrees are demanding proof of Shankaracharya from Swami Ji. Insulting Swami Ji is a direct attack on the faith of Hinduism.”

Calling the event extremely unfortunate, Singh said, “Never before—and perhaps never again—has it happened that disciples of a Shankaracharya are dragged by their hair and beaten, and the Shankaracharya himself is denied a ritual bath. This is a grave offense committed by the UP government. Even more insulting is that Swami Ji is being asked for proof of his position as Shankaracharya. Who is Shankaracharya is not decided by the Prime Minister, Chief Minister, Police Commissioner, or any official. It is determined by Hindu traditions, and no one has the right to question it.”

Sanjay Singh recalled accompanying Swami Ji during his movement for the cleanliness and free flow of the Ganga in Varanasi, and later for campaigns against cow slaughter. He emphasized that Swami Ji opposes government policies he deems wrong, regardless of which party is in power—BJP, SP, Congress, or AAP.

He added, “Swami Ji opposes only the wrong policies of the government; he does not concern himself with which party is ruling.”

Singh criticized media bias, stating that some discussions favor certain political parties, whereas Swami Ji always speaks the truth. He questioned the Prayagraj administration, noting that Swami Ji was allowed to take ritual baths during the Maha Kumbh along with two other Shankaracharyas. “When the Prime Minister of India touches his feet, he is recognized as Shankaracharya. But the moment he criticizes the government, he is asked to prove whether he is a Shankaracharya or not,” Singh said.

He shared his personal distress, saying he spoke to Swami Ji on the phone during his padyatra (foot march) and pledged his support: “We are fully with him—not as a political party, but as dedicated devotees. We will follow his instructions in every matter.”

Sanjay Singh also highlighted the destruction at Manikarnika Ghat, where temples were reportedly demolished under the guise of the Kashi Corridor project. “Over 150 Shiva Lingas were broken and remain at Lanka Police Station. Speaking against this—is it a crime?” he asked.

He concluded by emphasizing that Swami Ji always speaks for Dharma, and any opposition from unrighteous individuals does not deter their commitment: “We all stand with Swami Ji.”