Varanasi, Jan 29 (NationPress) Following the conclusion of his sit-in protest at the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has expressed fierce criticism regarding the events that led to his departure and reiterated his concerns about actions he perceives as detrimental to Sanatan Dharam.

On Wednesday, the Shankaracharya mentioned leaving the Magh Mela grounds with a “heavy heart,” thus ending his protest outside the Shankaracharya camp that had started on January 18.

This protest stemmed from allegations that he and his followers were “prevented” from performing a holy dip at the Sangam.

He directed his ire toward other sadhus and seers who questioned his decision to exit the Mela, accusing them of aligning with the government rather than supporting the followers of Sanatan Dharma. He labeled those opposing him as “dhongi (fraudsters).”

In a statement to reporters, Swami Avimukteshwaranand declared, “The lathis used in Prayagraj were directed at those who enrolled in the Gurukul to learn about Sanatan. This includes sanyasis, brahmacharis, sadhvis, sants, and elders. All these individuals are integral to Sanatan Dharam. If a sadhu feels no pain upon witnessing violence against disciples, then that person is not a sant but a dhongi - someone masquerading as a seer while infiltrating the community.”

The Shankaracharya reiterated his claim that his disciples faced “physical assault” from security personnel when attempting to reach the Sangam Nose for the Mauni Amavasya ‘snan’. He questioned the lack of accountability for the officers involved in the incident.

“Historically, the government has been labeled 'anti-Brahmin'; consider this incident as further proof of this designation. After this event, no action was taken against any officer, reinforcing that they do not intend to protect even Brahmins or their children,” he stated.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand further remarked that an apology could have been timely but claimed that the opportunity was missed.

“Apologies can be requested at any moment. However, the right moment was missed. The Magh Mela is concluding, and we have already departed. The ‘asan’ has been uprooted once,” he added.

Moreover, he expressed his opposition to the new University Grants Commission regulations, labeling them a “significant threat to Sanatan Dharam.”

“The UGC regulation was introduced precisely to prevent discussions about the government’s failures. This regulation poses a major threat to Sanatan Dharam. While Sanatan Dharam encompasses various castes, these do not exist for conflict but to ensure traditional livelihoods. This is a legacy established by our forebears,” he informed reporters.

Demanding a rollback of the regulations, he concluded, “We oppose this. We assert that this is incorrect. This law harms Sanatan Dharam and must be repealed immediately.”