Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati of Jyotirmath Peeth criticised the Union government for denying permission to hold a sit-in at Delhi’s Ramlila Ground, questioning its commitment to cow protection. The protest, scheduled for March 17, was cancelled despite prior approval, with authorities citing law and order concerns.

Addressing the media at RS Public School in Karnal, Shankaracharya expressed disappointment, stating, “Lakhs of people were ready to participate, but the government’s last-minute denial raises doubts about its sincerity on this issue.” He announced that he would wait until 5 pm on Monday for a response from the government, after which he would decide his next steps.

Shankaracharya also vowed to personally approach leaders of all major political parties to seek their stance on cow protection. “I will go door-to-door and ask them to publicly declare their position. So far, only a Samajwadi Party leader has assured support, while others remain silent,” he said.

He criticised the government’s contradictory actions, citing reports of increased beef exports and cow slaughter. “While leaders claim to protect cows, data suggests 80,000 cows are slaughtered daily. This hypocrisy must end,” he said.

The Shankaracharya linked cow protection to Hindu identity, urging Hindus to reclaim their pride. “A true Hindu cannot tolerate cow slaughter. If it continues, the idea of a Hindu Rashtra holds no meaning,” he said.

When asked about self-proclaimed spiritual leaders, he emphasised the need for tangible contributions. “Every saint must demonstrate how they’ve benefited society. Mere words are not enough,” he said, while welcoming Dhirendra Shastri’s initiative to build a cancer hospital as a step away from superstition.

On Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure, Shankaracharya tied his assessment to the issue of cow protection. “Every leader since Independence has promised to stop cow slaughter, but it continues even after 78 years. Until it ends, how can I evaluate any leader?” he questioned.

Shankaracharya’s remarks have reignited the debate on cow protection, with his planned outreach to political leaders likely to keep the issue in the spotlight.