Spokesperson: Shri Pawan Khera: Addressing a press conference, Congress spokesperson and Chairman of the Media and Publicity Department Shri Pawan Khera said that the Shankaracharya has been on an indefinite fast for the last 48 hours, without food or water, in protest against being stopped from taking the ritual bath on Mauni Amavasya and the assault on his followers.

Khera mentioned that even an 85-year-ole disciple of Shankaracharya was beaten with shoes. He expressed shock that instead of apologising, the Uttar Pradesh government served a notice to the Shankaracharya at midnight through the Prayagraj Mela Authority, stating that the State did not recognise him as a Shankaracharya.

“Will the DM, CM or the PM decide who is the Shankaracharya?” Khera asked, stating that Shankaracharyas are appointed as per long-established traditions of their respective mutts. He said that the Supreme Court, in its 1954 Shirur Mutt judgment, had clearly ruled against state interference in religious matters. He said the notice violated Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution.

He further said that the Shankaracharya only wanted to perform the ritual Ganga snan in accordance with Sanatan tradition, but was asked to seek permission for it. He added that Swami Avimukteshwaranand himself has said that he has been performing the ritual bath for the past 40 years, so why should he need permission for it now? Tuesday January 20, 2026