Ayodhya, Jan 27 (NationPress) Prashant Kumar Singh, the Deputy Commissioner of the Uttar Pradesh GST Department in the Ayodhya Division, submitted his resignation on Tuesday, expressing that his choice was made in support of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath amidst the ongoing dispute involving Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati.

This resignation followed allegations by Swami Avimukteshwaranand that his followers faced obstruction while attempting to take a holy dip at the Sangam Nose during Mauni Amavasya. He further claimed that his disciples experienced physical attacks by the administration during the incident.

In contrast, the administration refuted these claims, asserting that Swami Avimukteshwaranand was approaching the Sangam Nose on a chariot, which was deemed unsafe due to the overwhelming crowd and the potential for a stampede at the religious gathering.

Officials indicated that his supporters attempted to break through barricades and damaged some, prompting a police response that advised them to return and walk instead of using a chariot.

The controversy intensified, raising questions regarding Swami Avimukteshwaranand's authority to use the 'Shankaracharya' title, as the legitimacy of this title remains under review by the Supreme Court.

Amid the escalating tensions, Prashant Kumar Singh directed his resignation to the Governor. This two-page letter was written in favor of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In his resignation letter, Singh expressed that he was deeply hurt by what he termed as derogatory comments allegedly made by the Shankaracharya towards Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

In an interview with IANS, Singh remarked, "I serve as the Deputy Commissioner in Ayodhya and have consistently worked in support of the government, the Chief Minister, the Prime Minister, and the Constitution of our nation."

He added that he had felt "disturbed" by the "unrestrained remarks" of Swami Avimukteshwaranand.

"Such statements are divisive and criticize the character of a Chief Minister of a significant state. This government supports us, and we owe it our allegiance. It is not my role to act like a mere machine, drawing a salary from the government. If there is wrongdoing against my state, my Chief Minister, or my Prime Minister, I will not stay silent," he asserted.

Identifying himself as a sensitive individual, Singh noted that his protest would stay within constitutional boundaries.

"I am sensitive, and I will indeed protest, but within limits and the constitutional framework. I have submitted my resignation through proper channels to the Governor, and it will be processed accordingly," he stated.

This marks the second resignation from a senior official in just two days. Previously, on Monday, Provincial Civil Service officer Alankar Agnihotri resigned from his position as Bareilly City Magistrate, citing revised UGC guidelines and what he termed as the "insult" to the Shankaracharya.