Using derogatory words for Shankaracharya is verbal violence: Akhilesh

Lucknow: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday slammed BJP's alleged derogatory remarks against Shankaracharya and described them as "verbal violence" and a grave moral wrongdoing. The SP chief's apparent reference was towards CM Yogi Adityanath's statement on Swami Avimukteshwaranad in UP Assembly on Friday where he said that not everyone can call himself a Shankaracharya. Addressing party members, Akhilesh said that attire or outward appearance cannot conceal a person's true character. "A person may wear any robe, but their speech exposes them. Speaking highly insulting words about a revered Shankaracharya is not only verbal violence; it is a sin. Those who uttered such words will bear the consequences, and those who thumped desks in flattery share equal responsibility," he said.
He warned that BJP legislators would have to answer before the public. "When they step out of the Assembly and face the people, the people will hold their own session on the streets and seek accountability," he remarked.Akhilesh Yadav also targeted the UP govt over alleged discrepancies in handling deaths during the Maha Kumbh 2025. He accused it of failing to present accurate figures and mismanaging compensation. He alleged that compensation was distributed in cash, creating scope for corruption, and questioned where funds meant for victims went if they did not reach affected families. "Those who suppress facts, remove cases against themselves, and fail in transparency have no moral authority to question anyone's religious position," he said.He questioned a statement referencing the "rule of law" and asked whether the Assembly would be reconvened to correct terminology or whether "public penance" would follow.Akhilesh said arrogance transforms values into distortions and erodes respect in society. He asserted that the objectionable remarks against the Shankaracharya now stand permanently recorded in the Assembly proceedings. "If we call the statement condemnable, even the word ‘condemnable' would feel inadequate," he said, reiterating his party's strong disapproval. |