Feb 19 โ€ข 09:26 UTC ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ India Aaj Tak (Hindi)

Is there a rift in UP BJP over the Shankaracharya issue?

Yogi Adityanath expressed that allowing the Shankaracharya to proceed to take a dip with a palanquin could have led to chaos, while Brajesh Pathak's support for the Shankaracharya has ignited a new controversy in Uttar Pradesh, which the Samajwadi Party is seizing as a political opportunity.

In a recent statement, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath suggested that if the Shankaracharya had been allowed to proceed to take a dip with his palanquin on a specific day, it could have resulted in chaos or a stampede. His comments reflect the concerns surrounding large religious gatherings and the potential for public safety issues. However, this situation has been further complicated by Brajesh Pathak, a prominent BJP leader, publicly supporting the Shankaracharya, thereby creating the impression of discord within the BJP ranks regarding its stance on religious leadership.

The response from the Samajwadi Party has been strategic, positioning itself to capitalize on the apparent division within the ruling BJP in Uttar Pradesh. By framing the issue as a political controversy rather than solely a religious matter, they aim to galvanize their support base and exploit any dissent. This incident may highlight deeper rifts within the party as factions might emerge, each aligning with differing views on religious practices and the party's public image.

Overall, this controversy underscores the interplay between politics and religion in Uttar Pradesh, particularly as elections loom. The BJP's internal dynamics are crucial as they seek to maintain their influence within the state. The way the party navigates this situation could impact its public perception and support going forward.

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