Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav encountered spiritual orator Aniruddhacharya, popularly known as ‘Pookie’ Baba for his funny Instagram reels, on a highway.
Both of them greeted each other and soon engaged in a brief discussion over the first name of lord Krishna.
The incident took place during a public interaction where Yadav challenged Aniruddhacharya’s continued use of the word ‘shudra’, a term historically used for the lowest caste in the traditional Hindu varna system. Yadav framed his criticism around an example from Lord Krishna’s childhood, asking, ‘Krishna ko Maa ne pehli baar kya bola tha?’ (What did Krishna’s mother call him the first time?)
Aniruddhacharya replied, “God has many names. Kanhaiya bola tha.’ Yadav then countered, ‘Okay, this is where our path and yours diverge. Ab se fir ‘shudra’ mat bolna (From now on, don’t refer to anyone as ‘shudra’).’
‘I Spoke the Truth’: Aniruddhacharya
Aniruddhacharya Maharaj, during one of his public meetings, talked about the incident. He said he was taken aback by the politician’s remarks. “He said that wasn’t a name and then concluded, ‘Your path is different from mine.’ That politician had once been a Chief Minister; he should treat his people like children,’ he said.
‘Imagine, a former CM disagrees just because I didn’t give the answer he had in mind. I only said what is written in our texts. If someone refuses to accept that, then you cannot win an argument with them,’ the spiritual leader added.
The brief but intense exchange has generated significant traction on social media, reigniting discussions about caste identity, linguistic reform, and the role of spiritual leaders and politicians in shaping inclusive narratives.