Dispute over cow protection escalates

The ongoing dispute between Jyotish Peeth Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over cow protection has escalated, with a religious campaign now set to culminate in Lucknow. In a press release issued, Jyotish Peeth Shankaracharya announced the launch of the "Gau Pratishtha Dharmyudh" (Cow Establishment Religious War).

This non-violent, ideological campaign demands that the Uttar Pradesh government declare the cow as "Rajyamata" (State Mother) and impose a complete ban on beef exports from the state. These demands form part of a broader "Panchsutriya Mangpatra" (five-point charter) aimed at strengthening cow protection measures. The announcement comes after 30 days of a 40-day ultimatum originally issued to CM Yogi Adityanath in late January 2026.

The seer had challenged the chief minister to prove his credentials as a true Hindu by fulfilling these cow-related demands, accusing the government of inaction despite repeated reminders on the 11th and 21st days. The campaign's decisive event is scheduled for March 11, 2026 (Sheetala Ashtami) at Kanshi Ram Memorial Cultural Site near Pasi Qila Chauraha in Ashiyana, Lucknow. The program, running from 2:15 PM arrival to 5:00 PM, will feature auspicious chants, worship of Ganesha using cow dung, hoisting of the cow flag, and the formal "Dharmyudh Shankhnad" (conch blow declaration).