Religious leader announces Gau Pratistha Dharmayuddh march to Lucknow

Intensifying his stand-off with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, ‘Shankaracharya’ Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has announced to launch ‘Gau Pratistha Dharmayuddh’ (crusade for protection of cow), from Varanasi to Lucknow, beginning this weekend.

The march follows what Mr. Saraswati described as government inaction on a 40-day ultimatum seeking stronger cow protection measures, including declaring the cow as ‘Rajya Mata’ (State Mother) and banning beef exports from the State.

The announcement comes days after Mr. Saraswati was booked by the Prayagraj police for molestation of two minors, aged 14 and 17. The FIR was registered on the direction of a special court.

The religious leader has termed the case “false” and “politically motivated,” alleging that it was initiated weeks after a confrontation with the district administration over alleged assaults on his followers during Mauni Amavasya at Prayagraj Magh Mela on January 18.

The dispute between the two sides continued for weeks. The district administration issued two notices to the religious leader—the first seeking an explanation for his use of the ‘Shankaracharya’ title, the second accusing him of creating a “stampede-like situation” at the religious fair attended by millions of devotees. Mr. Adityanath also reacted to the issue and criticised Mr. Saraswati without naming him.

In a letter detailing the schedule of the march, Mr. Saraswati described the movement as “non-violent and rooted in religious scripture”. However, its mobilisation and rhetoric carry unmistakable political undertones. Public meetings are planned in districts including Sultanpur, Raebareli, Naimisharanya and Unnao before the march culminates in Lucknow on March 11. Opposition parties such as the Indian National Congress and the Samajwadi Party have already extended support to Mr Saraswati.

“The march aims to remind the government of its moral and constitutional responsibility. If a decision is not reached within 9-10 days, the responsibility lies with Yogi Adityanath, the State Government, and political parties and their leadership concerned,” Mr. Saraswati said.

In response, Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya said Mr. Saraswati is ‘Jagatguru Shankaracharya’, and he would welcome him wherever he travels.

“In Uttar Pradesh, no one can inflict even a scratch on a cow. We consider her our mother, and it is our responsibility to protect her. This government is doing so in full capacity.” Mr. Maurya also questioned the need to declare the cow as ‘State Mother’, stating that it is evident to all that the cow is the mother of all Hindus.