The Shankaracharya controversy in Uttar Pradesh has taken a dramatic turn after Prashant Kumar Singh, Deputy Commissioner of GST in Ayodhya, resigned from his post in open support of the Uttar Pradesh government. His resignation has added a new administrative and political dimension to the ongoing row triggered by statements made by Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand, which have drawn strong reactions across the state.

Speaking after submitting his resignation, Prashant Kumar Singh said that his decision was driven by personal conviction and moral responsibility, not political ambition. He stated that government officials are not robots and cannot be expected to remain silent when the very government they serve and draw their salary from is being repeatedly targeted with what he described as baseless allegations.

According to Singh, the statements made by Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand against the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh crossed a line and left him with no option but to take a stand. He emphasised that remaining silent in such circumstances would amount to silent endorsement, something he was unwilling to accept.

“In favour of the government and to oppose Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand, I have resigned,” Singh said while speaking to the media. His remarks underline a growing sentiment among some sections of the bureaucracy and civil society who believe that continuous criticism of the state government, particularly during sensitive religious and social debates, must be responded to firmly.

The Shankaracharya row has already generated significant political and social debate in Uttar Pradesh. Statements attributed to Swami Avimukteshwaranand have sparked outrage among supporters of the state government, who allege that the remarks are politically motivated and misleading. Singh’s resignation has now brought the issue into the spotlight within administrative circles, raising questions about the role and limits of neutrality for government officials.

When asked whether his resignation signalled an intention to join politics, Prashant Kumar Singh categorically denied any such plans. He clarified that his decision was not influenced by political aspirations and that he had no intention of entering electoral politics. Instead, he said he wishes to serve the country in all possible ways, even outside the framework of government service if required.

His statement reflects a broader debate in India about whether civil servants should publicly express dissent or support in politically charged situations. While service rules traditionally emphasise neutrality, Singh’s resignation highlights the argument that silence is not always neutrality, especially when officials feel the government is being unfairly targeted.

The resignation of an Ayodhya Deputy GST Commissioner is significant given the symbolic and political importance of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh and national discourse. Observers note that the move could encourage similar expressions of support or protest from other officials, though such actions remain rare due to strict service conduct rules.

Political analysts believe the incident may further polarise opinions around the Shankaracharya controversy. Supporters of the UP government view Singh’s resignation as an act of courage and loyalty, while critics argue that civil servants should refrain from taking overt public positions, even if it means resigning.

The Uttar Pradesh government has so far not issued an official response to Singh’s resignation. However, the development comes at a time when the state administration is already under scrutiny over religious, cultural, and political narratives, making the episode particularly sensitive.

As the Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand row continues to unfold, Prashant Kumar Singh’s resignation has become a talking point in debates on bureaucratic ethics, freedom of expression, and accountability. Whether this act will have lasting implications for administrative conduct or remain a symbolic gesture will become clearer in the days ahead.

In conclusion, the resignation of Prashant Kumar Singh amid the Shankaracharya controversy underscores the deepening intensity of the debate in Uttar Pradesh. It reflects how religious and political statements can spill over into administrative spaces, challenging long-held conventions about neutrality and silence within government service. The episode adds yet another layer to an already complex and emotionally charged public discourse in the state.

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