Varanasi, February 23 – Political and religious reactions intensified on Monday after reports emerged that the Prayagraj police allegedly visited the Shankaracharya Avimukteshwarananda's ashram, who has been receiving support from leaders and religious figures across several states following a case filed against him under the POCSO Act by a court order.
In Varanasi, Samajwadi Party MP Virendra Singh visited the seer and expressed his support.
"It's not just the Samajwadi Party; the entire Kashi and every resident of Kashi stands with the revered Shankaracharya," the MP said. He added that the allegations against the seer had caused "deep pain" and that he had visited to inquire about his well-being after seeking an appointment.
"We stand firmly in his support. Whatever directions Shankaracharya gives going forward, we will follow them," Singh said.
Meanwhile, in Ujjain, International Hindu Council President Praveen Togadia urged for reconciliation. He said he had long-standing ties with the gurus of both Shankaracharya and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, particularly the late Mahant Avaidyanath.
Togadia said he held deep respect for both sides and expressed hope that the dispute would be resolved amicably. "Since both are eminent figures, I believe they will embrace each other and settle the matter," he said.
In Mirzapur, Yoganand Giri Maharaj of Budhenath Sannyas Ashram, affiliated with the Juna Akhara, termed the controversy "highly condemnable", saying it was tarnishing the image of Sanatan Dharma globally.
He, however, welcomed the court's direction to register an FIR under the POCSO Act, stressing that a thorough investigation should be conducted and the guilty punished.
Earlier, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also maintained that the FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati appeared politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing the image of a prominent Hindu seer.
He alleged that the move was driven by malice following the controversy during the Magh Mela and warned that such actions could deepen tensions in Uttar Pradesh, especially ahead of elections, while eroding public trust in the administration.
The developments have heightened political as well as religious attention around the issue across Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.