UP GST Official in Ayodhya Resigns Citing Moral Duty to Support CM Yogi and PM Modi
In a significant development from Ayodhya, Prashant Kumar Singh, the deputy commissioner of the Uttar Pradesh GST department posted in the holy city, has tendered his resignation from service. Singh cited moral reasons and expressed unwavering support for Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the primary motivations behind his decision.
Allegations by Shankaracharya Spark Resignation
Speaking after submitting his resignation, Singh revealed that he was deeply hurt by what he described as baseless allegations made by Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand against the Uttar Pradesh chief minister and the Prime Minister. "In favour of the government and to oppose Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand, I have resigned. For the last two days, I was deeply disturbed by the allegations against our CM and PM," Singh stated in an interview with news agency ANI.
He emphasized that his decision was driven by a profound sense of moral responsibility, explaining, "I draw my salary from the government. When I saw my CM and PM being insulted, I felt it was my duty to take a stand." Singh added that he had sent his resignation papers directly to the Governor, underscoring the seriousness of his move.
Mental Stress and Future Plans
Singh disclosed that he had been under considerable mental stress for the past few days, leading him to carefully consider his resignation. After thorough deliberation, he decided to step down from his position. Once his resignation is formally accepted, Singh plans to engage in social work using his personal resources, indicating a shift towards community service.
Second Resignation in Uttar Pradesh Administration
This resignation follows a similar move by Alankar Agnihotri, the city magistrate of Bareilly, who stepped down just yesterday. In his resignation letter addressed to Governor Anandiben Patel and Bareilly DM Avinash Singh, Agnihotri sought the withdrawal of the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026.
While these regulations aim to curb caste-based discrimination in colleges by mandating committees, helplines, and monitoring mechanisms for SC, ST, and OBC students, Agnihotri alleged they could lead to "atrocities against Brahmins" and potentially spark social unrest. He also cited the alleged prevention of Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand from taking a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam during the Magh Mela, arguing that such incidents reflect an erosion of faith, freedom of expression, and republican values.
Official Response Awaited
As of now, there has been no official word from the Governor’s office regarding the acceptance of Singh’s resignation. The situation highlights ongoing tensions within the Uttar Pradesh administration and raises questions about the broader implications of such resignations on governance and public service morale.
