The development in Prayagraj was not only failure of administrative sensitivity but was sheer administrative arrogance targeting religious heads for certain mysterious reasons. The visuals available on internet indicated that the Seer’s followers were mistreated and beaten up by the police, which was unprecedented. He said the bitter dispute over ritual bathing in Prayagraj should be resolved through mutual consensus amicably at the earliest, says former IAS officer V S Pandey.
Lucknow, January 27: The president of the Log Party and former IAS officer V S Pandey said here on Tuesday that political interference in religious ceremonies is unfortunate and fraught with serious consequences leading to social and religious tension. He said that religion should be kept separate from politics and the dispute arising from holy dip by revered Shankaracharya in Prayagraj should settled peacefully. Expressing concern over widespread practice of mixing religion with politics for narrow interests, Mr. Pandey said the prevailing situation has led to serious social risks and unfortunately the administration in UP has become party to such practices.
Mr Pandey said such developments were not confined to UP but there were cases in other parts of the country also. The political interference and disturbing religious festivals, rituals of communities not aligned with the ruling establishment has taken serious dimension during the last decades and it was not in the interest of the nation. He said such interferences were causing new disputes, social tension and religious violence and people were feeling distressed over these issues. Mr. Pandey said the UP administration’s move to question the authenticity of the head of Jyotirmath in Badrinath, Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand, was highly disrespectful and a condemnable act. He said instead of solving the issue respectfully, the administration has complicated it, which has caused massive resentment among the people. The Constitution has guaranteed full religious right to every citizen in the country and the governments have no business to interfere in that or usurp it.
Mr Pandey said the development in Prayagraj was not only failure of administrative sensitivity but was sheer administrative arrogance targeting religious heads for certain mysterious reasons. The visuals available on internet indicated that the Seer’s followers were mistreated and beaten up by the police, which was unprecedented. He said the bitter dispute over ritual bathing in Prayagraj should be resolved through mutual consensus amicably at the earliest.
