In a striking show of solidarity, Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has come out strongly in support of Alankar Agnihotri, the Bareilly City Magistrate who dramatically resigned from his prestigious position. The Shankaracharya praised the officer’s bold decision, declaring, “At last, someone has emerged as a true ‘Alankar’ (ornament) of Hindu religion.”
The resignation, submitted on Republic Day (January 26, 2026), has sparked widespread debate across Uttar Pradesh and beyond. Alankar Agnihotri, a 2019-batch PCS officer from the Brahmin community, cited deep hurt over recent government policies and alleged mistreatment of Hindu seers and their disciples as key reasons for stepping down.
In an exclusive conversation with Aaj Tak, Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati expressed that Agnihotri did not resign out of joy but with a deeply wounded heart. He linked the officer’s pain to the broader anguish felt by millions of Sanatan Dharma followers today. “His heart is hurt in the same way as the hearts of crores of Sanatanis are wounded right now,” the Shankaracharya stated.
The Shankaracharya leveled sharp criticism at the Uttar Pradesh government’s approach, claiming that under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s administration, atrocities are being committed against children, women, the elderly, brahmcharis, and sannyasis. He specifically highlighted the alleged inhumane treatment meted out to Shankaracharyas and their disciples.
A major flashpoint in the controversy is the new UGC (University Grants Commission) regulations, which the Shankaracharya described as divisive and aimed at sowing discord within Hindu society. He demanded their immediate cancellation, arguing that such laws threaten the unity and harmony of the community.
The Shankaracharya also emphasized the need to protect sacred traditions, including the sanctity of Sangam snan (holy dip at the confluence) and the honor of Shankaracharyas. He warned that any insult to the symbols of religion and culture could lead to severe political and social crises.
Agnihotri’s resignation letter reportedly pointed to incidents during the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, where disciples of the Shankaracharya were allegedly humiliated or assaulted, as a tipping point. He accused the government of adopting an “anti-Brahmin” stance and warned that such policies could endanger the safety and dignity of the Brahmin community.
The development has drawn attention to broader tensions between administrative actions, religious sentiments, and governance in Uttar Pradesh. As support pours in for the resigned officer—including reports of people gathering at his residence—the episode underscores growing concerns over perceived biases in policy and treatment of Hindu religious figures.
Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand’s endorsement frames Agnihotri’s act as a courageous stand for dharma, positioning him as a beacon in turbulent times for Hindu society. Whether this leads to policy reversals or further debates remains to be seen, but it has certainly amplified voices calling for greater respect toward religious leaders and traditions.