Ayodhya GST Officer Quits After Seer’s Comments on Yogi Adityanath

GST Deputy Commissioner Prashant Kumar Singh on Tuesday resigned in protest against what he described as “objectionable” remarks made by Jyotish Peeth Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath .

Singh said he was deeply hurt by statements he perceived as disrespectful to elected leadership and aimed at dividing the nation on the basis of caste and religion. He said his resignation was an act of support for the government, the Constitution, and the country’s leadership .

“Over the past few days, there have been despicable attempts to divide the nation from the sacred land of Prayagraj. I am deeply pained by this,” Singh said. “I have resigned in support of the honourable Prime Minister, Chief Minister, and Home Minister , and in support of the Constitution of India.”

Swami Avimukteshwaranand, associated with the Jyotish Peeth , is a Hindu religious leader whose claim to the Shankaracharya title is legally contested . The Supreme Court has stayed recognitions related to the Jyotish Peeth succession until pending appeals are resolved.

The controversy escalated during the Magh Mela in Prayagraj , particularly on Mauni Amavasya (January 18, 2026) , when Avimukteshwaranand and his followers were reportedly stopped by police while proceeding in a chariot toward the Sangam for the holy dip. Authorities cited crowd and security concerns, while the seer alleged mistreatment and a lack of respect toward him and his followers. He refused to take the dip and demanded an apology from mela officials and senior police officers.

In addition, the Magh Mela administration issued Avimukteshwaranand a notice regarding his use of the title “Shankaracharya” , citing the Supreme Court’s stay on formal recognition.

While the exact words have not been widely reported, Singh said the seer’s public statements criticizing the UP government and its handling of the Magh Mela amounted to disrespect toward the Chief Minister . Singh described the remarks as “unrestrained” and offensive to the office of an elected leader, prompting him to step down.

“As a government servant bound by Uttar Pradesh service rules , I cannot remain indifferent to such developments,” Singh said, adding that he drew his salary from the state and his family depended on it. “If such conduct continues against my state and its head, I will oppose it while remaining within my constitutional and service boundaries. That is why I have submitted my resignation today.”

The dispute has drawn attention from political and religious circles, with some supporting Avimukteshwaranand and others questioning his claim to the Shankaracharya title . The incident highlights tensions between religious authority, state administration, and public order during major religious gatherings.