Ayodhya’s GST landscape shook on Tuesday when Deputy Commissioner Prashant Kumar Singh tendered his resignation in a powerful show of solidarity with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The move, directed straight to the Governor’s office, stems from Singh’s distress over Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati’s recent barbs against the CM, which he labeled as character assassination.
‘I work in support of the government, the Chief Minister, the Prime Minister, and the Constitution of this country,’ Singh told media outlets, his voice laced with emotion. Overwhelmed during a call to his wife, he tearfully explained his decision to resign rather than remain silent against perceived insults to his leaders.
The backdrop involves a disputed incident at Sangam Ghat on Mauni Amavasya. The Swami claimed he was barred from a sacred bath and that his disciples faced brutality from officials. In contrast, the administration maintained that the denial was a safety measure against crowd chaos during the massive faith event. When disciples tried forcing through barriers, police stepped in to guide them back, avoiding any procession on a chariot.
Debate over the Shankaracharya’s credentials intensified the feud, with his title’s legitimacy under judicial review. Singh’s resignation letter passionately defends Yogi and PM Modi, emphasizing personal conviction over bureaucratic duty. ‘These are divisive comments attacking the character of our state’s leader, who works for our welfare,’ he wrote.
Echoing a pattern, this follows Bareilly City Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri’s exit the previous day, linked to similar grievances including UGC policy shifts. As Uttar Pradesh navigates this blend of religion, politics, and administration, such resignations spotlight the polarized sentiments swirling around Yogi’s governance. Observers await the next developments in this unfolding saga.
