U.P. official quits job to extend support to Yogi Adityanath in Shankaracharya row

Prashant Kumar Singh, a Deputy GST Commissioner in Ayodhya, resigned following the remarks made by Swami Avimukteshwaranand Shankaracharya against Yogi Adityanath. Singh cited his opposition to the seer's comments and alleged attempts to divide society on caste lines. His resignation followed that of Alankar Agnihotri, a city magistrate in Bareilly, who also resigned due to disagreements with government policies. Uma Bharti, a senior BJP leader, defended Swami Avimukteshwaranand and criticized the administration for demanding proof of his status as Shankaracharya. The controversy began after the seer's alleged attempt to bathe on his chariot at the Sangam during Mauni Amavasya, leading to accusations of disturbing peace and order by the Prayagraj mela authorities.