Swami Avimukteshwaranand Embarks on 'Dharmayudh' March for Cow Protection
In a significant development, Swami Avimukteshwaranand has departed from Varanasi to launch a 'Dharmayudh' (holy war) focused on cow protection, setting the stage for a confrontation with the Uttar Pradesh government. This move follows a recent standoff at the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, where the seer accused authorities of misconduct.
Rituals and Route of the March
Before leaving for his 'Gau Pratishtha Dharmayudh', the seer performed elaborate rituals on Friday evening, including worshipping the River Ganga. On Saturday morning, he exited his Shri Vidya Mutt at Kedar Ghat in Varanasi, boarding a palanquin to visit the Chintamani Ganesh and Sankat Mochan temples for prayers. Subsequently, he embarked on his journey to Lucknow via a vanity van, planning stops in Jaunpur, Sultanpur, Raebareli, Unnao, and Lakhimpur Kheri, with the march culminating on March 11 at Kanshiram Smriti Sanskritik Sthal in Lucknow.
Objectives and Invitation to CM Yogi
Swami Avimukteshwaranand described the movement as a non-violent and ideological effort to safeguard cows, expressing regret that such action against a government elected by cow lovers has become necessary. He has extended a formal invitation to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, citing his role as a saint and head of the largest 'Gau Rakshak Peeth', to participate in the cow protection initiative. The seer emphasized that the cause is genuine and urged fake Hindus to refrain from involvement.
"We are beginning the 'Dharmayudh' march from Kashi to ensure the protection of the cows. People in large numbers are coming in support of the demand, but many are avoiding due to fear," he stated.Background of the Conflict
The seer has been in the spotlight since the Magh Mela incident, where he alleged that police and administrative officials dishonored him and assaulted his followers. In response, he staged a sit-in outside his camp, abstained from food and water, and demanded an apology from senior officials. He further challenged CM Yogi Adityanath to prove his Hindu credentials by declaring the cow as 'Rajyamata' and banning beef exports from Uttar Pradesh, issuing a 40-day ultimatum for these demands. The march commenced on the 35th day of this deadline.
Legal and Political Dimensions
Complicating matters, a sexual harassment case was filed against Swami Avimukteshwaranand at Jhunsi police station in Prayagraj, involving two minor boys. However, the Allahabad High Court granted him interim protection from arrest on February 27, staying coercive action until the next hearing. Over the past 35 days, the seer has garnered significant backing from opposition parties, including the Congress and Samajwadi Party, adding a political layer to the movement.
This 'Dharmayudh' march highlights ongoing tensions between religious leaders and the state government over cow protection policies, with potential implications for Uttar Pradesh's political and social landscape.
