The ongoing dispute surrounding Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati took a significant administrative turn in Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday after Prashant Kumar Singh, a Deputy Commissioner of GST posted in Ayodhya, stepped down from his post. Singh said his resignation was an act of solidarity with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, whom he felt had been unfairly targeted.

Speaking to reporters, Singh said he was distressed by what he termed unfounded statements made by the Shankaracharya over the last few days. He explained that as a government officer, he felt morally obligated to stand with the leadership under which he served. Singh added that watching senior constitutional figures being publicly disparaged left him with no option but to resign, prompting him to submit his papers to the Governor.

In his resignation letter, Singh argued that while peaceful protest is protected under the Constitution, the use of derogatory language against elected authorities undermines social cohesion and fuels divisions, particularly along caste lines. He said such conduct must be challenged openly to protect harmony in society.

The 48-year-old officer, originally from Mau district, said he would continue performing his official responsibilities until his resignation is formally accepted. After leaving government service, he intends to dedicate himself to social work. Sources said Singh was emotionally shaken by the decision and struggled to sleep for days, adding that he chose self-respect over personal and family considerations, including responsibilities toward his two young daughters.

His resignation follows another high-profile exit earlier this week, when Bareilly City Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri quit on Republic Day. Agnihotri cited the alleged mistreatment of Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s followers during the Magh Mela and opposition to new UGC regulations. The state government later suspended him and ordered a departmental probe.

The controversy itself began after claims that the seer’s palanquin was stopped during the Magh Mela on January 18, coinciding with Mauni Amavasya. Allegations of rough handling of his disciples triggered protests by the Shankaracharya. Matters worsened after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath used the term “Kaalnemi” while referring to certain religious figures, drawing sharp criticism from sections of the seer community.

With multiple senior officers stepping aside, the issue has now spilled beyond religious disagreement, raising larger questions around governance, dissent and constitutional conduct.