Speaking in Patna during the launch of the “Gau Raksha Sankalp Yatra,” the Shankaracharya criticised established parties for what he sees as inconsistency: trumpeting cow protection in rhetoric while allowing slaughterhouses and meat exports to proliferate. He added that names of his chosen candidates will be revealed only after nomination paperwork has been filed, citing concerns of sabotage or cancellation before that stage.
Avimukteshwaranand defines this move as an expression of Sanatan Dharma—a belief system based on Hindu religious tradition and culture—and says that the protection of “Gau Mata” is central to sustaining cultural values in society. He has urged voters to support only those who view cow slaughter as a sin, or who explicitly pledge to enforce measures against it.
Observers believe this strategy may challenge the BJP’s dominance in Bihar, especially among its Hindu vote base, by reframing the electoral narrative around religious symbolism rather than traditional developmental or caste politics. Political analysts point out that this also introduces a new fault line between secular-oriented platforms and those emphasising religious identity.
The “Gau Raksha Sankalp Yatra” kicked off from the Ma Janaki temple in Sitamarhi and is expected to run for forty-five days across the state, focusing on rallies, cultural gatherings and public pledges related to cow protection. While some leaders have expressed concern over whether independent “gau bhakt” candidates can secure necessary resources or ballot symbols, the Shankaracharya insists that the moral dimension of this campaign will carry weight.