Cow protection push: Swami Avimukteshwaranand dares Yogi Adityanath to ban beef export

Varanasi: Jotishpeeth Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand in Varanasi has given an ultimatum of 40 days to UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He has demanded that the cow should be given the status of 'State Mother' and beef exports from the state should be completely stopped. This statement came during a press conference in Varanasi on Friday. Swami said that if both these demands are not fulfilled in 40 days, then he will declare Yogi 'not a real Hindu' in the meeting of saints in Lucknow on 10-11 March.

How did this controversy start?

Swami had returned from Magh Mela of Prayagraj without taking a bath. He alleged that the administration did not allow him to take a Sangam bath. After this he accused Yogi of using a stick against Sanatani Hindus. He said, "Now give proof of being a Hindu by stopping beef export."

What did Swami say?

"The first step of being a Hindu is to love the cow. Declare the cow as the state mother. Stop beef export from UP immediately. UP accounts for 40% of India's total beef exports. Will the dream of Ram Rajya be fulfilled by earning foreign exchange by selling beef?" "If this work is not done in 40 days, then Yogi will be declared 'fake Hindu' and 'Klanemi' in the meeting of saints in Lucknow."

What is the basis of the demands?

Swamy said that Maharashtra has given the status of mother of the state to the indigenous cow. The cow is the national animal in Nepal. Gorakshpeethadhishwar is the Chief Minister in UP. Yet beef exports continue. This is against Hindu sentiments.

What is the allegation against the Yogi government?

Swami said that pressure is being put on Sanatani Hindus. Camps of two Puri Shankaracharyas were allowed to be organized in Magh Mela. Why were they stopped from taking a bath? This is an act of political vendetta.

What will happen now?

The 40-day deadline is still March 11. If the demands are not accepted, there will be a big meeting in Lucknow. The decision will be taken with the saints. Swamy said that Hindus will not tolerate such political vendettas. This matter has come to light by linking cow protection and politics. The debate has intensified due to Swamy's press conference in Varanasi. No response has come from the Yogi government yet. Observers believe this could increase religious and political tensions.