Prove you are Hindu, ban beef export: Shankaracharya to CM Yogi
In a bold and provocative move, Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranad Saraswati has given a 40-day “ultimatum” to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to prove his commitment to Hindu values. The revered Hindu spiritual leader has demanded that the UP government halt beef exports from the state and declare the cow as ‘Rajya Mata’ (mother of the state). This ultimatum comes after Shankaracharya returned to his Varanasi math following a stint of protesting for days over allegedly being stopped by the administration from taking a holy dip during the Prayagraj Magh Mela.
The Shankaracharya’s demand is not just a symbolic gesture but a call to action that seeks to address a long-standing concern among Hindu enthusiasts. The issue of beef exports has been a contentious one in India, with many Hindus considering the cow to be a sacred animal. The fact that India is one of the largest exporters of beef in the world has been a source of discomfort for many Hindus, who see it as a betrayal of their religious values.
By giving a 40-day ultimatum to the UP government, Shankaracharya is essentially challenging the state’s commitment to Hindu values. The demand to declare the cow as ‘Rajya Mata’ is also significant, as it seeks to elevate the status of the cow to that of a revered and protected entity. This move is likely to resonate with many Hindus in the state, who see the cow as an integral part of their cultural and religious heritage.
The Shankaracharya’s protest during the Prayagraj Magh Mela was also a significant event, as it highlighted the tension between the spiritual leader and the state administration. The fact that he was allegedly stopped from taking a holy dip during the mela suggests that there may be underlying differences between the two parties. However, by giving a 40-day ultimatum, Shankaracharya is seeking to put the ball in the court of the state government, challenging them to take concrete action on the issue of beef exports and cow protection.
The UP government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has been seen as a pro-Hindu government, with a strong emphasis on promoting Hindu values and culture. However, the Shankaracharya’s demand poses a challenge to the government’s commitment to these values. By banning beef exports and declaring the cow as ‘Rajya Mata’, the government would be seen as taking a strong stance in favor of Hindu enthusiasts.
The implications of the Shankaracharya’s demand are far-reaching and could have significant consequences for the state’s economy and politics. A ban on beef exports could potentially impact the livelihoods of thousands of people involved in the industry, from farmers to exporters. On the other hand, declaring the cow as ‘Rajya Mata’ could lead to a significant shift in the state’s cultural and social landscape, with potential implications for interfaith relations and social harmony.
In conclusion, the Shankaracharya’s 40-day ultimatum to the UP government is a significant development that challenges the state’s commitment to Hindu values. The demand to ban beef exports and declare the cow as ‘Rajya Mata’ is a call to action that seeks to address a long-standing concern among Hindu enthusiasts. As the state government navigates this complex issue, it will be important to balance the competing interests and concerns of different stakeholders. Ultimately, the outcome of this ultimatum will depend on the government’s willingness to take a strong stance in favor of Hindu values and the cow protection movement.
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