Shankaracharya Leaves Magh Mela Without Holy Dip Amid Standoff with UP Govt

• Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati abruptly left the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, 18 days early, due to a standoff with the Uttar Pradesh government.
• He refused to take a holy dip, stating his mind was disturbed by incidents at the mela and rejected an administration offer for a palanquin ride to the Sangam, demanding an apology for a prior incident.
• The dispute began on January 18 when police allegedly stopped his palanquin and scuffled with his disciples during the Mauni Amavasya bath, leading to an 11-day sit-in protest.
• The administration issued notices questioning his Shankaracharya status and conduct, while CM Yogi Adityanath's 'Kalnemi' remark further escalated tensions.
• The controversy has led to resignations of government officials, split the saint community, and a letter petition has been filed in the Allahabad High Court seeking a CBI probe into alleged police high-handedness and violation of rights.

Why It Matters: Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand left Magh Mela early, refusing a holy dip, demanding an apology from the UP government.