In early February 2026, a mahant (temple head) in Roorkee, Uttarakhand began an amaran anshan (hunger strike) at a local temple to protest against the new provisions in the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act. This protest became a notable political and civic issue in the region.
🧑‍⚖️ Who Led the Protest
- Yati Ramswarupanand Giri, the head priest (mahant) of the Dahiyaki Shiv Temple in Roorkee, went on a hunger strike.
- He did this in support of Mahamandaleshwar Yati Narsinghanand Giri of the Shri Panchdashnaam Juna Akhara, who was already on protest.
- The strike was seen as a show of solidarity with religious leaders opposing the UGC changes.
đź“Ł Why It Matters
The protesters claimed that the UGC Act’s new provisions could negatively impact their community and culture. Key points made by the mahant included:
- Alleged that the law could weaken traditional Hindu institutions and culture.
- Claimed there were broader conspiratorial motives behind the legislation.
- Praised Uttarakhand Chief Minister for other cultural policies while urging withdrawal of the contested UGC provisions.