Sunday, 04 MAY 2025 | my uttarakhand news | Badrinath Jyotish Peeth Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has announced the exclusion of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from Sanatan Dharm. He also sought restriction on the entry of non-Hindus in the Char Dham. Addressing the media at the Shankaracharya Ashram here on Saturday, he said that Gandhi’s statements in the past on the Manusmriti in the Parliament had hurt the sentiments of Hindus. Stating that he had sought a clarification from the Congress leader on his statement three months ago, Saraswati said that no clarification had been received yet and so he was announcing the politician’s exclusion from Hindu Dharm. He also stressed on the need for pilgrims to maintain decorum while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra, stating that such pilgrimages should not be undertaken for recreation. “Those who undertake the pilgrimage with a Satvik sense are sure to benefit spiritually. People should not indulge in unrestrained behaviour in the pilgrimage centres. This affects the sanctity of the Dham and the faith of the devotees. It is important to understand the difference between pilgrimage and tourism,” he said. The Shankaracharya further said that non-Hindus should be prohibited from entering the Char Dham. Stating that it has been seen that people of other religions are moving freely in the Char Dham and the Yatra halts, he said that the government should take steps in this matter. He further said that pilgrims should submit information in writing about any problems they face and the government should resolve these issues. Referring to the terror attack at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, he said that a Shraddh will be held by Jyotish Peeth at Brahmakapal for those who lost their lives in the incident.