'Betrayal is the greatest .....': Jyotirmath Shankaracharya comes out in support of Uddhav Thackeray

Shankaracharya expressed that his "pain won't be relieved" until Thackeray is reinstated as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

Swami Avimukteshwarananda, the 46th Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath, expressed his support for Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray during a visit to his Mumbai residence. Speaking to the media afterward, he expressed that his "pain won't be relieved" until Thackeray is reinstated as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

"I conveyed to him (Uddhav Thackeray) that we all are deeply saddened by the betrayal he has endured. Our anguish will not diminish until he resumes office as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra," stated the Shankaracharya. "A person who deceives cannot claim to be a true Hindu... The people of Maharashtra are distressed by this betrayal, as evidenced by the election results," he added.

Speaking on the values upheld by Hinduism, Swami Avimukteshwaranand emphasized the concepts of 'Punya' (virtue) and 'Paap' (sin), categorising betrayal as a grave sin. He criticised the political turmoil in Maharashtra, asserting that the act of betraying a leader chosen by the people disrespected the public mandate.

"Vishwasghat (betrayal) is considered one of the greatest sins, and that is exactly what has happened to Uddhav Thackeray," he emphasised.

"The disrespect shown to the people who elected their leader is also profound. It is unjust to dismantle a government midway through its tenure and disregard the public mandate," added the Shankaracharya.

The Shankaracharya also commented on his interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the recent wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, where he clarified that his customary blessings extended to all who seek them, including the Prime Minister. He reiterated his role as a well-wisher, stating that criticism was offered constructively when needed.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand's visit and statements are expected to resonate deeply in Maharashtra's political landscape, particularly amidst ongoing tensions and factionalism within the Shiv Sena following Uddhav Thackeray's removal as Chief Minister.