Swami Avimukteshwaranand launched a sharp attack on the Thackeray family regarding their distancing from Hindutva and the Marathi language controversy. He called it a "Muslim way" and attributed it to political self-interest.
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati: Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati recently reacted sharply to the Thackeray family and their politics. He said that the party, whose history is connected with hardcore Hindutva, is now adopting the "Muslim way" to express its views. Swami Ji also said that it is beyond comprehension whose influence is now falling on this family.
Criticism of the culture of violence and instilling fear
The Shankaracharya, directly targeting the Thackeray family, said that this family is now trying to impose its views by spreading fear. He termed it the "Muslim way," giving the example that earlier people were forced to recite the Kalma, and were beaten if they did not. Similarly, fear is now being spread among people regarding the Marathi language.
Comments on the Marathi language
Regarding the ongoing controversy over the Marathi language, the Shankaracharya said that the Thackeray family and other leaders are using Marathi only to boost their politics. He said, "I am not learning Marathi because I am afraid of anyone. No language is learned out of fear." He alleged that this controversy is just an attempt to revive a dead politics.
Practical suggestions for Marathi language education
The Shankaracharya sarcastically said that if the Thackeray family was really interested in promoting the Marathi language, they should have opened 100-200 schools. Teaching Marathi to someone only through violence is not appropriate. Language is a medium of education, not a weapon.
Criticism of Hindu-Muslim polarization in politics
He also said that some leaders like Nitesh Rane and the Thackeray brothers are trying to gain political prominence by raising issues like Hindu-Muslim. Swami Ji clearly stated that this is only politics to gain power, not for the welfare of society.
Prediction regarding the Bihar elections
Regarding the Bihar assembly elections, the Shankaracharya said that the party that will talk about respecting the cow mother will move forward in the state. He said that the people of Bihar will choose only those candidates who will support the cow and Hindu culture. The Shankaracharya demanded that a "Kalnemi campaign" should be launched across the country so that the demons spread in the country can be exposed.
Targeting the administration on the Changur Baba case
Reacting to the case of Changur Baba and his 500 crore property, Shankaracharya said that such a large amount does not get built in a day, it takes time. He questioned the administration that how all this remained out of the radar for so long. He says that this shows the failure of the administration.
Warning on the Kanwar Yatra
Regarding the Kanwar Yatra, Shankaracharya advised the devotees to be cautious. He said that demonic forces try to create obstacles. Now, people change their religion and come among us, make videos, and leave. He said that just hearing the name "Ram" does not determine that a person is a Hindu. He emphasized that the responsibility of maintaining the sanctity of Hindu religion rests with the Hindus themselves.
Objection to selling cooked food
Shankaracharya said that there has never been a tradition of selling cooked food in Hindu religion. He said that ancestors used to keep sattu or fruits during the journey because they wanted to maintain purity. Those who sell cooked food today are not following Hindu culture.
