Things are heating up in Uttar Pradesh as religious leaders have jumped to condemn Akhilesh Yadav, the Samajwadi Party's head honcho. What's got them fuming? Yadav recently made waves with a provocative statement comparing 'Mathadheesh' (the religious heads) to notorious mafia figures like Mukhtar Ansari and Atiq Ahmed. These gents aren't exactly known for their good deeds—they've got a reputation for organized crime.
Outcry from Religious Circles
Mahant Durga Das, who heads the Panchayati Akhada Udaseen Nirvan, was among the first to voice his outrage. He didn't mince words, accusing Yadav of losing his grip on reality. Das emphasized that Mathadheesh are deeply respected in Sanatan Dharma, seen almost on a divine pedestal. He argued that Yadav was blurring the lines between those who preserve culture and those who feed into its chaos.
Yogesh Puri Maharaj from Agra's Man Kameshwar Temple weighed in too. He questioned Yadav's credibility by pointing fingers at the party's alleged past affiliations with criminal figures. 'How can Akhilesh, who once rubbed shoulders with Mukhtar and Atiq, have any idea about the sanctity and the duty of religious leaders?', he asked rather rhetorically.
Adding to the chorus, Varun Das Ji Maharaj from Hanumangarhi pointed out that Mathadheesh work tirelessly for cultural preservation and societal welfare, contrasting sharply with mafia activities. Meanwhile, Dr. Deveshacharya Ji Maharaj hammered home the idea that while Mathadheesh strive to educate and uplift society, the mafia thrives in chaos and disorder.
Political Tensions and Possible Fallout
Swami Jitendranand Saraswati of the All India Sant Committee wasn't holding back either. He went on the record to label Yadav's comments as 'the pinnacle of political immorality.' He hinted that such remarks reflected a deep-seated antipathy toward Hindu institutions. Swami Jitendranand even hinted that if the situation didn't change, a full-scale campaign against Yadav could be on the horizon.
What adds more spice to this whole saga is the current political climate in Uttar Pradesh. The BJP-led government, Yadav's longtime rivals, have been on a crusade against scandalous elements like Atiq Ahmed and Mukhtar Ansari with their 'Bulldozer Model.' This aggressive stance has any mentions of mafia buzzing hot in the political ether.
The saints' backlash signifies more than just personal indignation—it speaks to the broader issue of religious leaders feeling their roles and significance are diminished. The blend of politics with religious sentiments is formidable, especially in a state like Uttar Pradesh where both hold considerable sway.