The Shankaracharya said political parties, including the BJP, must recognize that they cannot rely indefinitely on Hindu votes while allowing cow slaughter. He demanded that the cow be given constitutional recognition as Rashtra Mata and that strict laws be enacted against its killing, with provisions for punishment.
“This will be our key poll plank,” he said, adding that his campaign in Bihar is part of a larger movement to make cow protection a national agenda ahead of the next Lok Sabha elections. He stressed that political parties would either heed this demand or risk rejection by the public.
Historical and Religious References
The seer drew from history to strengthen his argument, citing Chanakya’s challenge to King Dhananand in Magadh and Jayaprakash Narayan’s movement against former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He also referred to Lord Buddha, Shrimad Bhagwad, and other Hindu scriptures to underline the importance of safeguarding dharma.
He highlighted the role of the Shankaracharya of Sringeri Peeth during the Vijayanagar Empire, who placed two forcibly converted youths on the throne to protect Sanatan dharma. “This is not about politics but about dharma and the protection of Gau Mata,” he asserted.
Appeal to Political Leaders
While clarifying that he has no political motives, the Shankaracharya insisted that saints and seers have always intervened when politics strayed from dharma. “Leaders should not impose their will but listen to the people’s sentiments. We hammer the nail when it pinches,” he said.
When asked about Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s silence on the issue, he remarked that if the Maharashtra CM can speak on Gau Mata, then the Gorakh Peeth leader should also do so. He also mentioned BJP MLA Nand Kishore Gurjar’s recent remarks in Uttar Pradesh on cow slaughter, calling it unfortunate that the CM has not addressed it.
A Mission Beyond Politics
The Shankaracharya reiterated that his campaign is not about electoral gain but about fulfilling the responsibility of saints to protect Sanatan dharma. He warned political parties that public faith should not be taken for granted. “We have been cheated for the last 78 years. This time, the people will decide,” he said.
He concluded with a light-hearted comment on poor mobile network connectivity during the conversation, joking that the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers who often talk of ‘Digital India’ should apologize for the disruptions.