Ayodhya’s GST Deputy Commissioner has sparked a political firestorm by resigning in solidarity with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityya Nath, even as corruption charges loom over him. Samajwadi Party spokesperson Ravidas Mehrotra branded the act a ‘naked drama,’ alleging it’s a desperate bid to dodge an active investigation.
In a bold statement, Prashant Kumar Singh declared his resignation honors the leadership of Yogi, PM Modi, the Home Minister, the Constitution, and India’s democracy—all while adhering to service rules. Yet, Mehrotra, in a pointed interview from Lucknow, connected the dots to the escalating row involving Shankaracharya Avimuktacharya. The spiritual leader has staged a 10-day peaceful dharna protesting mistreatment, including abusive language from government quarters.
Drawing parallels, Mehrotra recalled Bareilly’s city magistrate, who quit protesting the Shankaracharya’s plight. ‘Contrast that with this officer under probe, who choreographs a pro-government exit. It’s laughable—a ploy to fool the masses,’ he said. He defended the Shankaracharya as Hinduism’s moral compass, lamenting the BJP’s alleged injustices against him.
Broadening the critique, Mehrotra lashed out at the ruling party’s reluctance to address core crises: skyrocketing prices, joblessness, crime surges, failing hospitals and schools. On UGC’s fresh guidelines, he warned of authoritarian overreach in education, designed to mute dissent from youth and faculty instead of improving standards.
This episode highlights the high-stakes blame game in UP politics. With the SP amplifying calls for transparency, the BJP faces pressure to substantiate its narrative. Singh’s future hangs in balance as allegations and loyalties collide.
