Kangana Ranaut, an actor and politician from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi constituency, addressed remarks made in favor of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde by Saraswati of Jyotirmath and Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaran. Avimukteshwaran and Uddhav Thackeray claim that Shankaracharya was recently duped, as was Maharashtra's former chief minister.
In a social media post, Kangana Ranaut talked about the dynamics of political alliances and divisions, saying that these things happen naturally and within the constitution of a democracy. She questioned whether politicians should sell golgappas, making fun of those who don't play political games and bringing up old examples like Congress's internal divisions.
Ranaut expressed his disapproval of Shankaracharya's language and influence, claiming that his words were demeaning and called into question the veracity of religious teachings. It is forbidden by religion itself, she claimed, for leaders to misuse their power and encourage feelings of betrayal and treachery.
Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand's statement came during his visit to Mumbai for Anant Ambani's wedding, where he also met Uddhav Thackeray. He remarked that Thackeray had been betrayed, which he described as a blow to Hindu society. The Shankaracharya expressed resolve that his pain would persist until Thackeray resumed office as Chief Minister. Additionally, he criticized Eknath Shinde, emphasizing that betrayal is the gravest sin and questioning the fidelity of those who engage in it.
The apolitical nature of Sanyasis was emphasized by Shankaracharya, who used this argument to refute critics who claimed that religion had no place in politics. He maintained that, just as Sanyasis should refrain from engaging in political discourse, politicians should respect religious diversity.