Political Storm: Akhilesh Yadav Slams Deputy CM, Calls Batuk Felicitation a Political Stunt

A fresh political controversy has erupted in Uttar Pradesh after Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak invited 101 Batuk Brahmins to his residence and publicly honored them. He applied tilak on their foreheads, showered flowers, and sought their blessings while Vedic chants were recited. The gesture comes amid the ongoing “Batuk Shikha” controversy that began during the Magh Mela in Prayagraj last month. The dispute stems from an incident on January 18, when police allegedly stopped Shankaracharya and his followers from proceeding with a ceremonial palanquin to the Sangam for a holy dip. Several Batuks reportedly faced misbehavior, with allegations that police personnel pulled their shikhas (tufts of hair). Videos of the incident had circulated widely. Pathak earlier termed the alleged act a “mahapaap” (grave sin), indirectly criticizing the incident. However, opposition leaders including Akhilesh Yadav questioned why no concrete action has been taken against officials. Meanwhile, Swami Avimukteshwaranand has intensified his criticism of the state government and is set to address the media, also reiterating his demand to declare the cow as “Gau Mata.”

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