Lucknow, 19 February. Amid the ongoing controversy in Uttar Pradesh over the alleged mistreatment of Shankaracharya Avimukteshwarananda and his Batukas, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak on Thursday honored 101 Batukas at his residence in Lucknow. He along with his wife welcomed the Batukas with flower garlands, applied tilak and took blessings from them. Earlier, the Deputy Chief Minister had strongly reacted to the Magh Mela incident and said that whoever has drawn the crest of Batukas has committed a great sin.

He had said, “The braid should not have been pulled, it is a great sin. Those who have touched the braid will be held guilty of this. Everything is being written in the ledger. Strict action should be taken on this.” After this statement of Brajesh Pathak, satisfaction was seen among the Batuks. A large number of Batuks reached his residence on Thursday morning and expressed gratitude. Respecting everyone, he garlanded them, applied tilak and presented them with Angavastra.

After this, food was also arranged for them. On this occasion, a Batuk said that Brajesh Pathak is the first leader who raised his pain inside the House. He said that this has given him hope for justice. It is noteworthy that during the bathing festival of Mauni Amavasya in Prayagraj Magh Mela, Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand was going for Sangam bath with his Batukas.

During this time, the administration had stopped him from going in the palanquin, after which a dispute arose. It is alleged that during this time some policemen misbehaved with the Batukas and pulled their hair. The controversy escalated after the incident and Shankaracharya returned from the fair without taking bath. Amidst this entire episode, the honoring of Batuks at the Deputy CM’s residence is being considered important from political and religious point of view.