Yogi Adityanaths Government Criticized for Cow Protection Efforts by Swami Avimukteshwaranand

Banda, May 27: The ‘Gavishthi Yatra’ led by Jyotirmath Peethadhishwar Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Maharaj commenced on Wednesday, generating significant enthusiasm among devotees. During a media interaction, Swami Avimukteshwaranand reiterated his demand to declare cows as ‘Mata’ (mother) rather than mere animals. He also criticized Yogi Adityanath’s government for its failure in cow protection efforts, stating that suicides in Bundelkhand are akin to forced killings due to adverse conditions.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand stated, “The ‘Gavishthi Yatra’ initiated from Banda aims to protect and honor the cow. The journey has garnered immense public support. Wherever we go, people rush to join us, expressing a singular resolve: we will not regard cows as animals under any circumstances. Cows are our mothers. Governments have long classified cows as animals, which is unacceptable. We demand that cows be removed from the list of animals and be granted the status of mothers.”

The Shankaracharya noted that members of the Muslim community are also willing to accept cows as mothers. He mentioned that the Muslim society is now openly stating that they have no objections if cows are given the status of mothers. He added that other political parties are not opposing this issue either. Despite this, the current government has not conferred the status of mother to cows.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand expressed disappointment in Yogi Adityanath, who has been associated with the Gorakhnath Peeth, stating that there were high expectations for cow protection from him, which have not been met. He remarked, “I would call Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath a failure in this matter, as the person from whom the most is expected should fulfill that responsibility first. Yogi Adityanath has brought in bulldozers and is ruling through fear and intimidation.”

He further stated, “Sanatan Dharma prevents people from acting arbitrarily. It has the capacity to control and reform individuals. It teaches that one should not engage in wrongful actions.”