Mahant Narendra Giri’s death case may impact UP poll, say experts

Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 22

Political observers have varied opinions regarding the impact of Mahant Narendra Giri’s death on the upcoming Uttar Pradesh elections.

While some believe it will not have much political implications primarily because of the Mahant’s strong connections with most parties, others say the death, whether suicide or murder, puts a question mark on the law and order claim of the Yogi government.

Political analyst Sudhir Panwar says allegations and counter-allegations following the Mahant’s death have “not only disturbed his large number of followers, but also dented the state government’s image”.

“The two theories of suicide because of alleged blackmailing by his disciple Anand Giri and murder to capture the wealthy Baghambari trust have dented Yogi’s image before the elections next year. Hindus, mainly those associated with the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad, are in deep shock and may express their anger during the polling,” says Panwar, who is also associated with the Samajwadi Party, BJP’s main rival in UP.

However, Lucknow-based political observer K Vikram Rao says the attempt to politically exploit the Mahant’s death “is not possible because he had followers/connections in almost all political parties”.

“Almost every politician used to visit him and seek his blessings, although the situation may become clear after his suicide note is made public,” says Rao. Broadly, what he means is that a lot will depend on what parties say if “allegations in the suicide note are proven right”.

For now, as a Prayagraj-based professor says, “The Mahant’s dispute with his disciple (Anand) was a widely publicised matter for long.”

Question mark on law and order

• Political observers say Mahant Narendra Giri was politically active and had links with all parties
• They feel no one can use his death against each other
• Many others feel his death put a question mark on the law and order claim of the Yogi government