Derogatory language against Shankaracharya is verbal violence: Akhilesh Yadav

Akhilesh Yadav condemns derogatory remarks against Shankaracharya, calling it verbal violence and urging respect for religious decorum.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday (February 14, 2026) said that using derogatory language against Shankaracharya constitutes both verbal violence ('shaabdik hinsaa') and a sin.

"Using highly derogatory language against Shankaracharya is both verbal violence and a sin. Along with the person who said this, those who thumped the tables in flattery will also be guilty. When BJP MLAs leave the House and face the public, the public will throw their houses out on the streets," Mr. Akhilesh Yadav said in a post on X in Hindi, on Saturday (February 14).

His comments came a day after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the U.P. Legislative Assembly, stating that not everyone is entitled to use the title of "Shankaracharya" and that religious decorum and the rule of law must be upheld during all events.

"Those who do not disclose the true figures regarding deaths during the Maha Kumbh, who find ways to corrupt even the payments made in compensation, and who do not reveal where the money went for those who did not receive compensation, do not possess the moral right to question anyone else's religious standing," Mr. Yadav said.

In his statement, he also referenced the "rule of law" ("kanoon kaa shaasan"), asking, "Once this becomes evident, will he summon the House again to invoke the 'rule of destiny' ("vidhi kaa shaasan")? This is what occurs when ego, rather than humanity, speaks. Ego converts culture into vice, causing the individual to lose respect in society, leading to the saying: 'Whenever he opens his mouth, he speaks ill!'"

Mr. Yadav further accused CM Adityanath of dabbling in hate politics, even on matters of religion.