In the politically charged air of Ayodhya, a new controversy has erupted—not from a temple or a rally, but from within the ranks of the bureaucracy itself. Prashant Kumar Singh, the Deputy Commissioner of GST in the holy city, has submitted his resignation, citing a deeply personal and political reason: he could not stomach what he perceived as an “insult” to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi [[2]].
This unprecedented move, centered around the ongoing Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand title dispute, has sent shockwaves through Uttar Pradesh’s administrative and political circles. It raises profound questions about the line between personal belief and professional duty in public service. This is the story of an officer who chose principle over position.
Table of Contents
- The Resignation: What Happened?
- The Spark: The Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Row
- Who is Prashant Kumar Singh?
- Political Fallout and Public Reaction
- Broader Implications for Indian Bureaucracy
- Conclusion: A Personal Stand in a Political Storm
- Sources
The Resignation: What Happened?
On January 27, 2026, Prashant Kumar Singh took the extraordinary step of submitting a two-page resignation letter directly to the Governor of Uttar Pradesh [[7]]. In his communication, Singh was unequivocal about his motives. He stated that he was resigning on “moral grounds” and because he “cannot tolerate the insult to CM Yogi Adityanath and PM Narendra Modi” [[2]].
Singh, a seasoned bureaucrat, reportedly broke down in tears while speaking to his wife over the phone after making his decision, saying, “Jiska namak khate hain…” (We eat the salt of those we serve…) [[4]]. His emotional state underscores the depth of his conviction. He has indicated that once his resignation is formally accepted, he intends to dedicate his time to social work, stepping away from the structured world of government service [[2]].
The Spark: The Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Row
The immediate catalyst for Singh’s resignation is the escalating dispute surrounding the title of Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand. While the exact nature of the remarks that triggered the officer’s response hasn’t been fully detailed in public reports, it is clear that comments made by or about the religious figure were interpreted by Singh as a direct affront to the state and central leadership [[5]].
This row sits at a sensitive intersection of religion, politics, and regional identity in Uttar Pradesh—a state where such confluences often dictate the political climate. The government’s stance on matters related to religious figures and institutions is closely watched, and any perceived challenge to its authority can ignite strong reactions, as evidenced by this case [[1]].
Who is Prashant Kumar Singh?
Prashant Kumar Singh is not just any government employee; he is a senior officer holding the pivotal post of Deputy Commissioner of GST in Ayodhya—a city of immense strategic and symbolic importance for the current administration [[8]]. His role placed him at the heart of the city’s economic and administrative machinery.
His decision to resign is particularly significant given his rank. Senior IAS and IRS officers are expected to maintain a strict code of neutrality and serve the government of the day, regardless of their personal political leanings. Singh’s public declaration of his support for the CM and PM, and his subsequent resignation, breaks this long-standing convention, marking a rare and bold personal statement from within the steel frame of the bureaucracy [[6]].
Political Fallout and Public Reaction
The political ramifications of this event are already unfolding. Supporters of the ruling party have hailed Singh as a man of integrity and principle, a loyal servant who put his values above his career. Social media is abuzz with posts praising his “courage” and “loyalty” [[3]].
However, critics and opposition voices have raised serious concerns. They argue that this sets a dangerous precedent, blurring the lines between a civil servant’s personal beliefs and their constitutional duty to remain impartial. They question whether such an act undermines the very foundation of a professional, non-partisan bureaucracy that is essential for a functioning democracy [INTERNAL_LINK:role-of-bureaucracy-in-india].
Broader Implications for Indian Bureaucracy
This incident forces a critical national conversation. The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and other civil services were designed to be the permanent executive, providing stability and continuity across changing political regimes. For an officer to resign over a perceived political slight challenges this core principle.
While freedom of speech and conscience are fundamental rights, the expectations from a public servant are different. Their primary allegiance is to the Constitution of India, not to any individual leader or party. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which recruits these officers, emphasizes values of integrity, impartiality, and non-partisanship in its foundational training.
Singh’s case may inspire others, for better or worse, and could potentially lead to a more polarized administrative environment where personal loyalties begin to overshadow professional obligations.
Conclusion: A Personal Stand in a Political Storm
The resignation of the Ayodhya GST officer is far more than a personnel matter. It is a potent symbol of the intense political and emotional currents running through contemporary India. Prashant Kumar Singh has made his choice, framing his exit as a moral imperative in defense of his leaders. Whether history will view this as an act of noble loyalty or a breach of bureaucratic ethics remains to be seen. One thing is certain: his decision has ignited a debate that will resonate far beyond the administrative offices of Ayodhya.
Sources
- Times of India. (2026). Row over Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand: Pro-govt officer resigns in UP, says he can’t tolerate insult to CM & PM. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/row-over-shankaracharya-avimukteshwaranand-pro-govt-officer-resigns-in-up-says-he-cant-tolerate-insult-to-cm-pm/articleshow/127615134.cms
- Lokmat. (2026). Row over Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand: GST dy commissioner Prashant Kumar Singh in Ayodhya has resigned. Retrieved from https://www.lokmat.com/national/row-over-shankaracharya-avimukteshwaranand-gst-dy-commissioner-prashant-kumar-singh-in-ayodhya-has-resigned-over-comments-made-against-the-cm-yogi-adityanath-a-a629/
- Free Press Journal. (2026). ‘Jiska Namak Khate Hain……’: Ayodhya GST Commissioner breaks down in tears after resigning. Retrieved from https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/jiska-namak-khate-hain-ayodhya-gst-commissioner-breaks-down-in-tears-after-resigning-over-remarks-against-cm-yogi-video
- NewsX. (2026). Row Over Shankaracharya Title: UP GST Officer Prashant Kumar Singh Resigns. Retrieved from https://www.newsx.com/india/row-over-shankaracharya-title-up-gst-officer-prashant-kumar-singh-resigns-says-he-cant-tolerate-insults-to-cm-adityanath-and-pm-modi-154745/
- Ommcom News. (2026). Was ‘Disturbed’ By Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s Remarks: Ayodhya Official Resigns. Retrieved from https://ommcomnews.com/india-news/was-disturbed-by-swami-avimukteshwaranands-remarks-ayodhya-official-resigns-backing-cm-yogi/
- Indian Masterminds. (2026). Who Is Prashant Kumar? GST Deputy Commissioner Resigns Over “Insult” to CM Yogi. Retrieved from https://indianmasterminds.com/news/prashant-kumar-singh-gst-officer-resignation-yogi-shankaracharya-180177/