Lucknow: The Nirmohi Akhara has removed Mahant Dinendra Das from the post of Mahant of its Ayodhya branch and appointed Raja Ramchandracharya Das Maharaj as his successor.The decision could also affect Dinendra Das’s position in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, where he serves as an ex-officio member by virtue of being the mahant of the Ayodhya branch of the Akhara.According to Akhara sources, the decision was taken during a meeting on July 5, chaired by Nirmohi Akhara president Raja Ramchandracharya Das.However, the development came into the public domain only on Sunday evening after a petition on behalf of Nirmohi Akhara was filed before the Supreme Court. Following the disclosure, Dinendra Das issued a statement contesting the decision.The meeting reportedly accused Dinendra Das of indiscipline, violating the Akhara’s rules, and concealing important documents. Based on these allegations, the Mahants and Panch present at the meeting unanimously approved a resolution to remove him from the post.Rejecting the move, Dinendra Das claimed the decision lacked legitimacy, asserting that the majority of the Akhara’s governing Panch continue to support him.“The Nirmohi Akhara is a Panchayati Math, and only the decision of the Panchs is valid. There are 19 Panchs in the governing body, and 13 are with me. Only six are acting out of political motives,” he said on Sunday.He also accused Akhara spokesperson Kartik Chopra of orchestrating a campaign against him after being removed from the position of Mukhtar (authorised representative).
