For the first time in the history of Sri Panchayati Niranjani Akhada, a Union Minister has been made Mahamandaleshwar at the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela. On the initiative of Akhil Bhartiya Akhada Perished (ABAP) national president, the Union Minister of State for food processing Sadhvi Niranjan Bharti has been anointed as the Mahamandaleshwar by the Akhada. The ascetic–turned politician was greeted by Niranjani Akhada head and she was presented with a saffron shawl.
She has become the 16th woman Mahamandaleshwar of the Akhada on the day of Makar Sankranti when the first shahi snan was held at the ongoing Kumbh Mela.
On the occasion, ABAP chief Narendra Giri said that the tradition of guru-disciple enjoys a proud place in the functioning of the Akhada. “This is far more important than power and politics. She is a true disciple as she keeps her head down in humility despite being made the Union Minister. She is a true follower of the traditions of the Akhada,” he said.
Juna Akhada head Swami Awdheshananda Giri echoed the same sentiment and said that she has not allowed power to wean her away from her ascetic way.
During the ceremony, Mahant Lakhan Giri, Mahant Ashish Giri, Mahant Ravindra Puri, ABAP general secretary and chief patron of Juna Ahhada Mahant Hari Giri, Mahant Gyan Dev Singh of Sri Panchayati Nirmal Akhada and Yugpurush Sami Parmanand Saraswati were among those present.
Sadhvi Niranjan Bharti said that the Akhada was supreme for her. “I zealously follow the guru-disciple traditions and I would continue to do so,” she said.
From a Dalit background, Sadhvi who was earlier a religious preacher had helped BJP make inroads among the Dalit and backward classes in the politically crucial Uttar Pradesh. A first-time MP, Sadhvi belongs to the Nishad community.