Singh said his decision was driven by personal anguish over comments made against the Chief Minister and by his sense of responsibility as a government employee. In his resignation letter to the Governor, he said he felt deeply hurt by the language used against the head of the state and could no longer remain silent. He also expressed solidarity with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
“I eat the salt of this state and my family survives on its salary. If unparliamentary words are used against the Chief Minister, I will naturally feel the pain,” Singh said, adding that he had struggled for two days before deciding to step down. He clarified that he would continue to discharge his official duties until his resignation is formally accepted.
Singh further said that while the Constitution provides for peaceful protest, public discourse should not cross the bounds of dignity and respect. “One cannot sit on a handcart and speak disrespectfully about the Chief Minister. Such statements create a wrong atmosphere and divide society,” he said, alleging that provocative remarks were fuelling social and caste-based divisions.
The resignation follows a similar move by Bareilly City Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri, who quit his post on Monday, citing developments linked to the ongoing controversy and the alleged assault on disciples of Avimukteshwaranand. These resignations have added a new dimension to an already volatile situation involving sections of the administration and the religious establishment.
The row traces back to January 18, when police reportedly stopped Avimukteshwaranand’s palanquin as he was proceeding for a ritual bath at the Magh Mela. His supporters alleged rough handling by the police, including manhandling of disciples. In the days that followed, the Shankaracharya staged a protest outside the camp and has since refused to enter it.
The administration later issued notices seeking proof of his status as Shankaracharya. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, without naming him, referred to a “Kalnemi,” a remark that further escalated tensions. In response, Avimukteshwaranand compared the Chief Minister to Kalnemi and Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, drawing sharp reactions from political and religious circles.
The episode has split the saint community, with three Shankaracharyas backing Avimukteshwaranand, while the state government maintains that law and order considerations guided its actions. As the dispute deepens, Singh’s resignation highlights the broader political and administrative fallout of the controversy.
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