Puri Shankaracharya takes on Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik

The Shankaracharya of Govardhan Peeth in Puri, Swami Nischalananda Saraswati came down heavily on Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik and SJTA Chief Suresh Mohapatra at a press meet. The Shankaracharya said he was given due respect by the PM, President, Chief Minister and Governors, but he is not getting the same respect in Odisha.

“How can an IAS Officer dare to undermine my authority unless he has the backing of the CM, Law Minister and others”, he asked without naming Suresh Mohapatra. The Odisha Government is encouraging the bureaucrats to undermine the powers of religious organisations, which is a dangerous trend, he said.

“The IAS Officer is unnecessarily interfering in religious matters and questioning the authority of Shankaracharya. He is being supported by the CM and Law Minister,” he alleged.