Shiv Sena (UBT) firebrand Sanjay Raut has unleashed a torrent of criticism over the treatment meted out to Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati at Prayagraj’s Magh Mela. From Mumbai, he labeled it a ‘stain on Hindutva,’ accusing power players of betraying Hindu principles for political gain.
The core issue: aggressive police conduct toward the outspoken Jyotish Peeth pontiff. Raut defended the seer’s right to voice opinions freely, insisting his exalted status warrants utmost reverence. ‘State guest in every corner of India—why the hostility now?’ he probed, zeroing in on UP’s governance.
Memories of Maharashtra’s warmth resurfaced, with Eknath Shinde once playing the devoted host at his official residence. ‘He bowed, washed feet, performed aarti. Silent now? That’s selective piety,’ Raut mocked. He branded non-vocal ‘Hindus’ as frauds, exemplifying selfish, theatrical Hindutva.
Affirming Shiv Sena (UBT)’s stance, Raut promised sustained scrutiny and zero tolerance for such affronts. This isn’t merely personal—it’s a litmus test for Hindutva’s integrity amid rising political tensions.
As public discourse heats up, Raut’s bold narrative challenges the establishment to uphold traditions genuinely, ensuring spiritual guardians face honor, not handcuffs.