Lucknow: Tensions flared in Lucknow on Monday as a procession marking Parshuram Jayanti, led by the All India Brahmin Mahasabha, turned chaotic following a standoff with police. The event, which was planned to begin from Munshi Pulia and culminate at Darulsafa, was stopped by the police, citing lack of official permission. What followed was a heated confrontation between the authorities and the Mahasabha members, culminating in a dramatic display where women devotees emerged carrying axes and saffron flags.
Despite preparations being in full swing for weeks and prominent leaders including Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, Minister Dayashankar Singh, former DGP Vijay Kumar, and former minister Mahendra Singh being listed as chief guests, none of them turned up. Banners and hoardings with their names had been displayed widely across the city, but sources reveal that the absence of official permission discouraged their attendance.
A prolonged hour-long discussion took place between Indira Nagar ACP Anjaneya Kumar Singh and Rajendra Nath Tripathi, the National President of the All India Brahmin Mahasabha. When no resolution was reached, the Mahasabha members insisted on continuing with the procession, which led to a direct confrontation. The police, in response, used force to halt the unauthorized march.
Tripathi accused the government of being “anti-Brahmin” and expressed outrage over the police’s actions. “We had applied for permission a week ago, yet the administration did not grant it. Today, our peaceful procession was stopped with force. If a Brahmin leads a yatra, it becomes unacceptable for this government,” he said.
He further claimed that around 80% of the participants were Brahmins, while the rest were other devotees of Lord Parshuram. “This is not just an insult to our community, but a direct attack on religious freedom,” he added.
Meanwhile, ACP Anjaneya Kumar Singh clarified that the march was not considered a “traditional yatra,” and hence permission was denied for security and administrative reasons.
The incident has sparked a wave of political and social debate in the city, especially as it coincides with rising religious and caste sensitivities in the region. The conspicuous absence of political figures and the administration’s silence on the reasons behind the denial of permission have added further fuel to the controversy.
With no official statement yet from the Deputy CM or other invited leaders, questions remain over the handling of the incident and the government’s stance on community-led religious events.
Further developments are awaited.
