UP Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya has once again stirred debate over the ongoing Shankaracharya controversy, addressing comments made by certain religious figures. Speaking to the media, Maurya criticized those he termed as “crocodile tear-shedding saints,” claiming they are acting against national interests and are motivated solely by political gain. Maurya clarified his stance, saying, “I only pay my respects at their feet” and urged people to maintain reverence for religious traditions, including bathing at the Shankaracharya Sangam, a revered ritual site. He warned that those seeking personal or political advantage through such controversies would gain nothing, adding that they will remain powerless until at least 2047. The Deputy CM’s remarks come amid heightened tensions surrounding Avimukteshwaranand, a prominent religious leader, whose recent statements triggered criticism from political and religious circles. Maurya’s statements are seen as a strong defense of spiritual institutions while simultaneously calling out what he perceives as manipulative tactics by certain individuals. This controversy highlights the ongoing interplay between religion and politics in Uttar Pradesh, with leaders seeking to balance public sentiment, tradition, and governance


