Seers, Mahants Unite In Condemnation As Row Over Remark On Yogi Adityanath’s Mother Intensifies

Last Updated:March 10, 2026, 14:46 IST

Maulana Abdul Salim's remarks about Yogi Adityanath's mother sparked protests in Uttar Pradesh. Seers and BJP leaders condemned the comments, demanding strict action.

Even as a Bihar-based cleric has been booked for allegedly making objectionable remarks about the mother of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the controversy continues to intensify across the state, with seers, mahants and political leaders coming together in an unusual show of solidarity, condemning the comments and demanding strict action.

The remarks, allegedly made by Maulana Abdul Salim during a religious gathering in Bihar, have sparked protests and political reactions across Uttar Pradesh, particularly in districts such as Balrampur and Lucknow. Police have already registered multiple FIRs against the cleric after complaints were filed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and workers.

One of the cases was lodged at Kotwali Nagar police station in Balrampur on March 7 on the complaint of district BJP president Ravi Kumar Mishra. According to police, the cleric has been booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including sections related to provoking public mischief and spreading statements that may disturb communal harmony.

However, the issue has now taken a wider religious and social dimension, with prominent Hindu seers strongly condemning the remarks and expressing support for the chief minister.

Among the most vocal reactions came from Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, who criticised the statement while speaking during his ongoing religious tour in Uttar Pradesh.

Addressing devotees in Unnao during his “Gau Pratishtha Dharmayudh Yatra", the Shankaracharya said ideological differences should never extend to personal attacks on someone’s mother.

“Differences in ideology may exist, but insulting someone’s mother is unacceptable. Yogi Adityanath’s mother is like our own mother. One should never make such remarks about a mother," he said.

The seer also urged members of the cleric’s own community to counsel him, stressing that disrespectful remarks of such nature harm social harmony.

“We want to tell people of his own religion to explain to their Maulana that such comments diminish the dignity of their faith as well. In Islam too, a mother holds the highest respect," he added.

The Shankaracharya began his religious march from Varanasi on March 7 and reached the ancient pilgrimage town of Naimisharanya in Sitapur on Monday, where he offered prayers at the Lalita Devi temple before addressing followers.

Political leaders of the BJP have also strongly criticised the alleged remarks. Actor-turned-politician and Gorakhpur MP Ravi Kishan termed the comments “condemnable and unacceptable".

“In Indian culture, a mother is regarded as the highest symbol of respect and reverence. Those who insult motherhood actually expose their own values and mindset," he wrote in a post on social media platform X.

Meanwhile, BJP leader and Uttar Pradesh Women Commission vice-chairperson Aparna Yadav also condemned the statement and demanded an apology from the cleric.

“A mother holds the highest position in every religion. Even in Islam, mothers are given great respect. Such offensive comments must stop, and the Maulana should apologise," she said.

The controversy has also led to protests by BJP workers in several districts. Demonstrators burned effigies of the cleric and demanded his arrest.

One protester, Jatin Shukla, who participated in a demonstration, said the remarks had deeply hurt people.

“Yogi Adityanath is not only the chief minister of such a large state but also a revered saint. Making objectionable comments about his mother is unacceptable. We have burned the Maulana’s effigy today and will continue to demand strict action," he said.

Some seers in Ayodhya also expressed anger over the alleged remarks. Mahants associated with temples in the holy city criticised the cleric and demanded exemplary punishment, reflecting the widespread outrage among sections of the religious community.

Police officials, however, said the matter is currently under investigation. Balrampur Superintendent of Police Vikas Kumar confirmed that the case was registered based on complaints and further action would be taken after examining the facts.

Officials also said similar complaints have been filed in several districts of Uttar Pradesh, prompting authorities to register multiple FIRs and begin preliminary inquiries into the alleged statements.

News india Seers, Mahants Unite In Condemnation As Row Over Remark On Yogi Adityanath’s Mother Intensifies

Read More