Kinnar Akhara head Rishi Das removes both Mamta Kulkarni and Laxminarayan Tripathi from Mahamandaleshwar position

Laxmi Narayan Tripathi and Mamta Kulkarni

In a shocking turn of events, Rishi Ajay Das, the founder of the Kinnar Akhara, announced the expulsion of former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni and Mahamandaleshwar Laxminarayan Tripathi from the Akhara, accusing them of "treason." The decision, revealed in a press statement released on Friday, comes in the wake of Kulkarni’s controversial appointment as Mahamandaleshwar and allegations surrounding Tripathi’s handling of religious practices within the Akhara.

The Kinnar Akhara is one of the prominent spiritual organizations within the Indian religious landscape, especially within the community of hijras (transgender persons), known for its role in the Kumbh Mela and other major religious festivals. Its leadership is responsible for maintaining the sanctity of its traditions and spiritual teachings. However, Rishi Ajay Das has expressed strong disapproval of the actions taken by Tripathi and others in the Akhara, claiming they have undermined the institution’s integrity and principles.

Expulsion of Mamta Kulkarni and Laxminarayan Tripathi

Rishi Ajay Das issued a formal statement, announcing the expulsion of Mamta Kulkarni and Laxminarayan Tripathi for breaching the sanctity of the Akhara. "I have relieved Mahamandaleshwar Laxminarayan Tripathi from his role because he has always strayed from the post for which he was appointed—the need for religious propagation, rituals, and the upliftment of the Kinnar community," Rishi Ajay Das explained.

Tripathi, a well-known figure in the Kinnar community, had been a prominent leader within the Akhara. His expulsion comes after an alleged incident during the 2019 Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, where it is claimed that Tripathi entered into an agreement with the Juna Akhara without Rishi Ajay Das’s consent. The controversial deal, according to Rishi Ajay Das, led to a situation where people were joining the Akhara without adhering to the necessary rituals of renunciation and devotion. “They are cheating the lovers of Sanatan Dharma and society,” he stated, highlighting his belief that such actions were damaging to the spiritual principles the Akhara stood for.

Furthermore, the founder of the Akhara also expressed dissatisfaction with the way Mamta Kulkarni was appointed as Mahamandaleshwar. "Without following any religious or akhada tradition, instead of making her renunciate, they directly conferred the title and patta of Mahamandaleshwar on her," he added, stressing that her appointment was done without his approval and against the Akhara’s values.

The Controversial Appointment of Mamta Kulkarni

The controversy surrounding Mamta Kulkarni’s induction into the Kinnar Akhara took many by surprise. Once a famous Bollywood actress, Kulkarni gained widespread attention in the 1990s for her performances in films like Karan Arjun and Baazi. However, her public image has been marred by involvement in several criminal cases, including her alleged connection to a major drug trafficking operation. Her sudden reappearance in India and subsequent induction into the Kinnar Akhara raised eyebrows within religious and spiritual circles.

At the 2019 Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Laxminarayan Tripathi announced that Kulkarni had taken on a spiritual role within the Akhara as Mahamandaleshwar. In his statement, Tripathi remarked, "Kinnar Akhada is going to make Mamta Kulkarni a Mahamandaleshwar. She has been named as Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri. She has been in touch with Kinnar Akhara and me for the last one and a half years."

However, this announcement met with backlash from several members of the Kinnar Akhara, including prominent transgender activist Himangi Sakhi Maa. "Mamta Kulkarni has been made Mahamandaleshwar by the Kinnar Akhada for publicity," Himangi stated, as quoted by ANI. "Society knows her past very well. She was even jailed in the past in connection with drug cases. Suddenly, she arrives in India, participates in the Maha Kumbh, and is given the position of Mahamandaleshwar. This needs investigation."