Swami Avimukteshwaranand urges UP government to declare cow as State Mother, lists demands

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, speaking at a press conference in Varanasi, has demanded that the Uttar Pradesh government declare the cow as the “Mother of the State” and impose a complete ban on cow slaughter and beef exports. He said the government has 40 days to act on these demands, warning that failure to do so would lead to public criticism of the state leadership at a planned gathering of saints.

During the press conference, the religious leader said that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath should take steps to officially recognise the cow’s importance in the state. He stated that if the demands are not met within the given time frame, he plans to raise the matter publicly at a saints’ meeting scheduled to take place in Lucknow on March 10 and 11.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand also spoke about what he described as disagreements with the state administration regarding his status as Shankaracharya. He claimed that authorities had asked him to provide proof of his position within a short period, which he said he did.

According to him, the proof of his position was submitted to the Uttar Pradesh government, and since there has been no rejection or official objection even after several days, he considers this confirmation that his claim stands valid. He further argued that the issue now moves beyond personal recognition and relates to matters of religious respect and governance.

The Swami compared the present situation to events of the past, claiming that religious leaders have sometimes faced pressure from authorities when raising issues related to cow protection and religious concerns. He alleged that certain individuals and political figures were working against him, though he did not provide specific details.

He maintained that his campaign is focused on protecting cows and promoting policies aligned with religious beliefs held by many people. He said the state government should take concrete steps instead of delaying decisions on the issue.

Demands and political reactions

Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s main demand is that the Uttar Pradesh government officially declare the cow as the “Mother of the State.” He also called for a total ban on cow slaughter and an end to beef exports from the state.

He said that granting such status would reflect respect for traditional beliefs and align government policies with religious sentiments of many citizens. He also argued that banning slaughter and exports would protect cattle and strengthen rural agriculture.

His statements have triggered discussions across political and religious circles, with supporters backing his call for stronger cow protection measures, while critics argue that such matters require careful policy consideration due to economic and legal factors.

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Government officials have not yet released an official response to his statements. Political observers note that issues related to cow protection and religious symbolism often lead to intense debates in the state, especially ahead of important public gatherings or elections.

Some analysts believe the Swami’s announcement could increase political pressure on the government, while others say the administration may prefer to avoid making immediate policy decisions under public pressure.

Religious gatherings and saints’ meetings often attract large attention, and the planned event in Lucknow is expected to draw several religious leaders, which could further highlight the issue.

Possible visit to Prayagraj

Meanwhile, discussions are reportedly ongoing between Swami Avimukteshwaranand and local authorities regarding his possible participation in religious events at Prayagraj during the Magh Mela.

Magh Purnima, an important bathing date during the Mela, is scheduled for February 1. According to his media representatives, the Swami may take part in the holy dip if proper arrangements are made by the administration.

His media in-charge stated that officials are in talks with the Swami regarding arrangements and protocols. It has been indicated that if the Mela administration apologises for any past issues and provides respectful arrangements for his visit, he may proceed to take part in the religious rituals.

The Magh Mela attracts large numbers of devotees every year, and participation by prominent religious leaders usually draws additional attention. Authorities are preparing for heavy crowds during the bathing festival and are making arrangements for safety and crowd management.

Observers say that his possible participation in the Mela could also influence ongoing discussions related to his demands and his public campaign.

At present, attention remains focused on how the state government will respond to the demands and whether any official action or clarification will follow. Political and religious leaders are expected to continue discussions in the coming weeks as the 40-day deadline approaches.

For now, the situation remains under watch as both religious and political groups react to the Swami’s statements, and authorities continue to engage in dialogue to maintain public order and handle the issues through official channels.