Clash in BJP on Shankaracharya controversy! Keshav-Brajesh against CM Yogi, politics intensifies on rebellion

Bureau Prayagraj. The Shankaracharya controversy has emerged as a major storm in Uttar Pradesh politics, not only touching religious sentiments but also exposing deep rifts within the ruling BJP. The controversy started during the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, when Jyotishpeeth’s Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and his Brahmin disciples were allegedly mistreated by the administration. On the day of Mauni Amavasya (around 18 January 2026), Shankaracharya, who was going for Sangam bath, was stopped, and accused of pulling the braids of his disciples. Shankaracharya called it an insult and accused the Yogi government of insulting Sanatan Dharma, even linking Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath with powers like ‘Kalanemi’.

This matter soon took political color. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath targeted Shankaracharya in the Assembly without naming him. He said that the Constitution is above everyone, no person is above the law. Yogi attacked those who weakened Sanatan Dharma by mentioning elements like ‘Kalanemi’, which was an indirect reference to Shankaracharya. Yogi’s line was of strict administrative action and law and order, in which he stressed that the fair would run as per rules and no anarchy would be tolerated. But from here the news of conflict in the Yogi government came to light.

Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak spoke in a different tone, which is completely different from Yogi’s line. Keshav Maurya called Shankaracharya ‘respected’ and ‘Lord Shankaracharya’. He said that he salutes at the feet of revered Shankaracharya ji. He is requested to take a good bath. End this topic here. Keshav demanded an investigation into the insult and emphasized on respect for the saints. His comment was appreciated among Shankaracharya’s supporters, while it was seen as softness among Yogi’s staunch supporters.

Along with this, the statement of Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak became even more sharp. He said that the braid should not have been pulled. If you had to use force, you would have picked up the stick. Pulling a ponytail is a big crime. You will see, it will be a big sin. Brajesh called it a religious crime and demanded strict action against the culprits. He stressed that pulling the braids of the disciples is a sin, which will take many years. This statement was in complete contrast to Yogi’s strictness, where Yogi was defending the action of the administration.

Political analysts believe that this is a sign of caste and factionalism within the BJP. Both Keshav Maurya (from backward class) and Brajesh Pathak (Brahmin) seemed sensitive about the respect of saints, while Brahmin dissatisfaction increased on Yogi (Thakur background). In some reports, Brajesh is being seen as a possible contender for the post of Chief Minister, especially amid Brahmin resentment. Shankaracharya’s dharna and protest also divided Hindu organizations, with some supporting the yogi and some insisting on respecting the saints.

This controversy is not just religious, but also clearly shows Yogi’s loneliness in the politics of Uttar Pradesh. While Yogi is adamant on law and order and strong image, his Deputy CM is giving priority to the sentiments of saints. This also intensified the rumors of tension between Delhi and Lucknow in BJP. At the same time, the opposition is also cornering the government and BJP at many places on all these issues.