Tension flared at Prayagraj’s Magh Mela after a group of youths carrying saffron flags allegedly attempted to enter the ashram of Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, chanting slogans of “I Love Bulldozer Baba”.

The incident took place on the evening of January 24, between 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm, a day before January 25. According to the Swami, several youths armed with sticks and rods reached the ashram premises, leading to a clash with his attendants. A complaint has been lodged at the Kalpvasi police station.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand accused the government of deliberately sending anti-social elements to disturb the atmosphere, claiming his life was under threat. The slogan “Bulldozer Baba” is commonly associated with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, known for his crackdown on illegal constructions using bulldozers.

The incident comes amid ongoing tension between the Swami and the mela administration. On January 18, police reportedly stopped his chariot from reaching the Sangam for the Mauni Amavasya holy dip, citing crowd management and no-vehicle restrictions. This led to clashes and the Swami launching a hunger strike in protest.

Subsequently, mela authorities issued notices questioning his claim to the Shankaracharya title, citing a pending case in the Supreme Court, and barred him from continuing activities at the camp. The developments have triggered political reactions, with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and other opposition leaders criticising the Yogi Adityanath-led government.

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