Here is the deal about Gorakhpur. Gorakhpur region is probably the last standing Hindutva fort in the Mughalistan belt, after the fall of Nepal. Despite the change in demographics, this region remains a bastion of staunch Hindutva sentiment.
Historically, Gorakshanath Math of Gorakhpur, has not only been a primary center of Hathyog, but also of Hindutva. Math has never hesitated to play an active role in Hindu protection, ever since the Islamic invasions and sultanate times. (Even establishment of a Hindu Kingdom in Nepal was from the inspiration of Gorakhnath. Today too, like Indian Rupee has a picture of Gandhi, Nepal Rupee carries the icon of Goraksha). In modern history, during British rule, Gorakhpur was a very actice center of anti-British activities, particularly militantic. Recall Chauri Chaura, that is in Gorakhpur.
Since independence, Math has played a very active role in taking up Hindutva issues. In fact, after death of Veer Savarkar, Math provided leadership to the Hindu Mahasabha for a long time. Issues such as Ban on Cow Slaughter, were led by Math in 60s. (After all the name of Math is Goraksh - 'cow protector'). Previous Mahant of the Math, Swami Avaidyanath was founding president of Ram Janma Bhumi Nyas, and amongst the founding leaders of VHP. In 90s, Math was the primary center of the Ayodhya movement. (Ayodhya is only 100 miles away). Even the first ever Saraswati Shishu Mandir (RSS supported schools) was started in Gorakhpur, to counter the missionary schools, and spread to the rest of India.
Math has always enjoyed a very strong popular support (as well as muscle power and wealth). Every single time, Gorakhpur has been represented in Loksabha by the Pradhan Sannyasi/Mahant of the Math, in older times even unopposed. In surrounding areas, Math nominees usually win all the MP and MLA seats very comfortably. After Ram Janmabhumi issue, Math has come very close to BJP and Mahants have been contesting and winning on BJP's ticket. The present Mahant (junior) of the Math is Yogi Adityanath, also BJP MP since last decade.
All through, Gorakhpur region has been a thorn in Congress-Islamist-Missionary-Communist designs, but Math has been successful in suppressing these. Even powerfuls like Indira Gandhi failed to suppress the Math. However, since the last decade, a power shift can be seen. Two reasons in my opinion: a) Nepal royalty used to be one pillar of strength behind the activities of Math. Royalty itself has weakened, and now there is leftist surge in Nepal, with which Nepal leverage is over for the Math. b) changing demographics. Muslim population has surged steeply even in rural areas as well as in Nepal border areas. This is reflected in the reducing victory margins of Math nominees in various elections.
Muslims supported by Mulayam Singh, or vice versa, see this a proper time to challenge Math. We should see this series of riots as a ground-setting for the coming elections in short term, and 'liberating' Gorakhpur in long term. Administration is completely bent to destroy the name and respect of Math and its Mahants. Also how media is covering the event must be noticed.
Historically, Gorakshanath Math of Gorakhpur, has not only been a primary center of Hathyog, but also of Hindutva. Math has never hesitated to play an active role in Hindu protection, ever since the Islamic invasions and sultanate times. (Even establishment of a Hindu Kingdom in Nepal was from the inspiration of Gorakhnath. Today too, like Indian Rupee has a picture of Gandhi, Nepal Rupee carries the icon of Goraksha). In modern history, during British rule, Gorakhpur was a very actice center of anti-British activities, particularly militantic. Recall Chauri Chaura, that is in Gorakhpur.
Since independence, Math has played a very active role in taking up Hindutva issues. In fact, after death of Veer Savarkar, Math provided leadership to the Hindu Mahasabha for a long time. Issues such as Ban on Cow Slaughter, were led by Math in 60s. (After all the name of Math is Goraksh - 'cow protector'). Previous Mahant of the Math, Swami Avaidyanath was founding president of Ram Janma Bhumi Nyas, and amongst the founding leaders of VHP. In 90s, Math was the primary center of the Ayodhya movement. (Ayodhya is only 100 miles away). Even the first ever Saraswati Shishu Mandir (RSS supported schools) was started in Gorakhpur, to counter the missionary schools, and spread to the rest of India.
Math has always enjoyed a very strong popular support (as well as muscle power and wealth). Every single time, Gorakhpur has been represented in Loksabha by the Pradhan Sannyasi/Mahant of the Math, in older times even unopposed. In surrounding areas, Math nominees usually win all the MP and MLA seats very comfortably. After Ram Janmabhumi issue, Math has come very close to BJP and Mahants have been contesting and winning on BJP's ticket. The present Mahant (junior) of the Math is Yogi Adityanath, also BJP MP since last decade.
All through, Gorakhpur region has been a thorn in Congress-Islamist-Missionary-Communist designs, but Math has been successful in suppressing these. Even powerfuls like Indira Gandhi failed to suppress the Math. However, since the last decade, a power shift can be seen. Two reasons in my opinion: a) Nepal royalty used to be one pillar of strength behind the activities of Math. Royalty itself has weakened, and now there is leftist surge in Nepal, with which Nepal leverage is over for the Math. b) changing demographics. Muslim population has surged steeply even in rural areas as well as in Nepal border areas. This is reflected in the reducing victory margins of Math nominees in various elections.
Muslims supported by Mulayam Singh, or vice versa, see this a proper time to challenge Math. We should see this series of riots as a ground-setting for the coming elections in short term, and 'liberating' Gorakhpur in long term. Administration is completely bent to destroy the name and respect of Math and its Mahants. Also how media is covering the event must be noticed.