Bihar Elections: Shankaracharya to Back Independents Pledging to Protect Cows

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the Shankaracharya, declared his intention to support independent candidates in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections who pledge to combat cow slaughter. This decision is part of a broader initiative to bring Sanatani politics to the forefront before the elections, marked by the ‘Gau Matadata Sankalp Yatra’ in Purnia. The Shankaracharya expressed his disappointment that, despite 70 years and numerous assurances, no political party has taken concrete steps to stop cow slaughter. He emphasized that their focus in the Bihar elections is on cow protection and the principles of Sanatan Dharma. He plans to back independent candidates, though their names will be kept confidential for now. He also stated that they will put up candidates in all 243 seats. He criticized the inaction of political parties concerning the increasing atrocities against cows, urging voters to support candidates who view cow slaughter as a sin and are dedicated to protecting cows. He further criticized the rising beef exports in the country, even under the current government, calling on the central government to take proactive measures.