Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath, has launched a sharp attack on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. He highlighted the existence of two ideological factions within the BJP, one of which he describes as 'tyrannical' while the other attempts damage control by respecting certain elements within the party. In response to questions about his authority and the ongoing controversy, he stated, 'We have given Yogi Adityanath 40 days, of which 20 have passed; after this period, we will declare whether he is a real Hindu or a fake one.'

In a recent conversation with Aaj Tak regarding the incident that occurred in Prayagraj a month ago, where Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak honored a hundred students, Avimukteshwaranand addressed the unfolding situation. He asserted that the incident has multiple dimensions and indicated a noticeable divide within the BJP, pointing out a harsh approach taken by one faction, contrasted with a more conciliatory approach by the other. This internal conflict reflects broader tensions within the party's governance and philosophy, particularly regarding how it approaches sensitive issues related to Hindu identity and politics.

Avimukteshwaranand’s statements raise critical questions about the BJP's coherence and its handling of Hindu leadership. As tensions mount within the party over ideological clashes and public perceptions, the outcome of this internal struggle may have significant implications for the party's unity and electoral prospects. His remarks are not just an assertion of spiritual authority but also a reflection of the political undercurrents that can influence regional governance in Uttar Pradesh.