The Kinnar Akhada on Friday, has announced the removal of former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni from the esteemed post of Mahamandaleshwar.
In a statement to the media, Juna Akhara announced that the former actress and her guru, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, have both been expelled from Kinnar Akhara. The decision comes after Juna Akhara reportedly became aware of the growing internal tensions within the religious organization.
According to a press release, Rishi Ajay Das noted, "As the founder of Kinnar Akhada, I am hereby relieving Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi from his position as Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada, effective immediately. His appointment was made with the goal of promoting religious activities and uplifting the transgender community, but he has deviated from these responsibilities."
The controversy began with the appointment of Kulkarni as Mahamandaleshwar last week, a move that was met with resistance from several members of the organisation. Many questioned her appointment for the role, citing her past in the film industry. The backlash led to a deep divide within the group, ultimately prompting the leadership to take action.
Ajay Das accused Tripathi of undermining the tenets of the Kinnar Akhada by allowing Mamta Kulkarni to join and take on the prestigious role of Mahamandaleshwar despite her past involvement in criminal activities. He explained that the actress' appointment was particularly concerning because she had a criminal history.
"By giving such a person the title of Mahamandaleshwar, what kind of guru are you offering to Sanatan Dharma? This is a question of ethics," he wrote.
The founder emphasized that this appointment was not only unethical but also a betrayal of the Akhada's religious values.
Rumours were rife that Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, a prominent figure in the Kinnar Akhada and a well-known transgender rights activist, would be relieved of her duties, however, the decision to strip Kulkarni of her honour has come as a surprise to many.
The expulsion has ignited debates within the community, with the President of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad, Mahant Ravindra Puri, speaking out in support of Tripathi and Kulkarni. Puri challenged the legitimacy of Ajay Das's decision, saying, "I want to ask, who is he (Rishi Ajay Das) to expel Laxmi Narayan Tripathi?"
According to reports, the Akhara has alleged that the actress was made Mahamandaleshwar without their knowledge.
Just last Friday, Mamta Kulkarni performed 'pind daan' at the Sangham Ghat in Prayagraj. Speaking to ANI, the former actor said, "...This was the order of Mahadev, Maha Kaali. This was the order of my Guru. They chose this day. I didn't do anything."
Laxmi Narayan revealed the reason for her appointment in a statement: "Kinnar Akhada is going to make Mamta Kulkarni a Mahamandleshwar. She has been named Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri. As I am talking here, all the rituals are underway. She has been in touch with Kinnar Akhada and me for the last one and a half years. She is allowed to play the character of any devotional figure if she wants, as we do not prohibit anyone from performing their art."
