By Special Correspondent
Bhopal: Senior Congress leader and former minister P.C. Sharma on Saturday observed a one-day fast at Roshanpura Square here, protesting the alleged insult to Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and his disciples, suppression of saints, demolition of sacred sites such as Manikarnika Ghat, and alleged cow slaughter and beef trade at the municipal Jinsi slaughterhouse in Bhopal.
The protest saw the participation of Pradesh Congress Committee president Jitu Patwari, Leader of Opposition Hemant Katare, media department chairman Mukesh Nayak, former ministers Rajkumar Patel and Vibha Patel, city and rural district Congress chiefs, corporators, Youth Congress leaders and several party workers.
Addressing the gathering, PCC chief Jeetu Patwari said Sanatan Dharma was not merely a matter of faith but the living soul of India’s ancient culture and traditions. He alleged that unnecessary interference in religious practices such as the Ganga snan of the Shankaracharya amounted to an insult to faith and culture, and accused the BJP government of trampling upon age-old traditions.
Former minister P.C. Sharma termed the alleged incident involving the Shankaracharya and his disciples as highly condemnable and demanded that the President take immediate cognisance of the matter. He also sought a public apology from the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and strict action against those responsible.
Media department chairman Mukesh Nayak accused the administration of double standards, stating that while elaborate arrangements are made for political protocol, due respect was denied to the highest symbol of Sanatan tradition.
During the protest, a memorandum addressed to the President was submitted to the SDM, demanding protection of saints and sacred religious sites. The fast concluded with Hemant Katare offering juice to the participants.
