Leaders from across political spectrum condole the passing away of Seer Mahant Giri

Mahant Narendra Giri, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP), was found dead in suspicious circumstances at the Baghambari Muth in Prayagraj on Monday. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will be travelling to Prayagraj on Tuesday to pay his last respects to Giri.Giri was elected as the president of the ABAP in 2016 and 2019. His passing was condoled by several leaders across the political spectrum. Many politicians took to Twitter to offer their condolences and pray for the departed soul.Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences, saying that he is extremely saddened by the Giri’s passing away. He added that Giri had played a huge role in bringing together “many streams of the Sant Samaj”.Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid his tribute to the spiritual leader, saying that people had lost “a resplendent constellation of Sanatan culture”. Shah added that Giri had devoted his life to the promotion of spirituality and religion as well as service of human beings.Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath called Giri’s passing away “an irreparable loss to the spiritual world”.Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya also expressed his grief. Maurya wrote that he had known Giri since his childhood and had met the mahant on 19 September.Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav also offered his condolences, calling Giri’s loss “irreparable”.Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati offered her deepest condolences to his followers and asked that the government should consider public sentiment and the seriousness of the matter and take appropriate action.The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP) is said to be the largest grouping of sadhus in India.  According to the Indian Express, a seven-page suicide note has also been discovered at the scene of Giri’s death. A police investigation is underway and the note has been sent for forensic examination.Police have detained Yoga Guru Anand Giri, and two other people for questioning in the matter. Anand Giri’s name was reportedly mentioned in the suicide note, as per media reports.