Ujjain : The ongoing rift between the Shaiv and Vaishnav akhadas intensified further with representatives of 18 sub-akhadas belonging to two Vaishnav akhadas boycotted the Simhastha meeting convened here on Sunday. Moreover, the protesters also sat on a symbolic dharna on the entrance gate of the venue of the meeting that is Mahakal Pravachan Hall.
The Simhastha meeting was to commence from 11 am and the District Minister In-charge Kailash Vijayaveriya reached at the venue on time, but he had to sit with the peeved members of the Ramadal Akhada Parishad, who came here from various places. These sadhus expressed resentment on not inviting them in the meeting and neglecting Mahant Gyandas. Due to this situation, the local authorities had to carry the top representatives of 11 akhadas from the different side. During the meeting, Vijayvergiya requested the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad (ABAP) to sort out the matter saying that the State government does not want to be entangled in any controversy.
ABAP president Mahant Narendra Giri described the demands of the local sadhus as wrong and irrelevant. Some other members made it clear that there is no rift between the Shaiv and Vaishnav akhadas and the entire controversy has been created by the media persons. In the afternoon, Vijayvergiya also visited the Khaki Akhada, Khak Chowk to pacify the representatives of 18 sub-akhadas of the Vaishnav akhadas. The Minister told media persons that the glorious traditions of the Simhastha Fair will be maintained and the government will ensure maintenance of dignity of all saints and sadhus.
