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Journalism of Courage
With the Simhasta Kumbh underway in Ujjain and elections due soon, there was no way politics could be kept apart from the occasion. But it has happened sooner than expected with the presence of VHP chief Ashok Singhal triggering off a major controversy, one that has everything to do with the situation in Ayodhya.
Two days ago, Singhal had taken part in the Peshwai or ritual procession taken out by the Digambar Akhara. Now, president of the Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP) Mahant Gyandas, who is also the mahant of the Hanumangarhi temple in Ayodhya and a strong opponent of the VHP, has declared that this is a violation of tradition. He has, on behalf of the three major Vaishnava akharas — Nirmohi, Nirvani and Digambar — written to the administration that Singhal will not be allowed entry into the area occupied by these Vaishnava akharas.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Mahant Gyandas said: ‘‘I learnt about this violation of tradition when some sants from the Nirmohi akhara sat on a dharna in protest. I asked the concerned akhara how Singhal was allowed to be part of the Peshwai and they said it was a mistake. Only mahamandaleshwars, sadhus or sants can be part of a Peshwai, he is neither. Now we have written to the DM that his entry into the area of these three main akharas is barred. Two years back, he had entered the sanctum sanctorum of the temple of Ram lalla where only the pujari is allowed entry.’’
Just last year, the VHP’s planned mobilisation in Ayodhya had failed in part because of opposition from Mahant Gyandas and some VHP activists had even tried to attack the mahant.
The head of the Ramjanmabhoomi Nyas Nritya Gopaldas is also currently visiting the Kumbh and VHP general secretary Pravin Togadia is expected to be present on April 19 for the first Parv Snan. Neither is Mahant Gyandas’s opposition to Singhal unchallenged within the Akahara Parishad. The general secretary of the ABAP is Mahant Parmanand Saraswati of the Joona Akhara, the most powerful of the Shaivite akharas. He has countered Mahant Gyandas’ claim. ‘‘Anyone can be part of the Peshwai, it is an independent procession. Gyandas is not speaking on behalf of the Akhara Parishad. I will pull him up at the Parishad’s next meeting. It is wrong to insult any visitor to the Kumbh, whether it is Sonia or Singhal. If someone doesn’t like Sonia and she decides to visit the Kumbh, it doesn’t mean they can push her out,’’ he said.
Mahant Parmandand Saraswati’s Joona akhara, comprising the naga sadhus who are the first to take the dip at a Shahi Snan, is locked in a battle with two other Shaivite akhras, Agni and Avhan. Gyandas, while admitting the action against Singhal is not in his capacity as the Akhara Parishad chief, adds: ‘‘People like Singhal are here not because of their devotion to Ram but because of rajniti and vote niti.’’
