The founder of Kinnar Akhara, Rishi Ajay Das, expelled former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni and Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi from the Akhara, accusing them of treason. In a statement released on Friday, Rishi Das criticized the appointment of Mamta Kulkarni as Mahamandaleshwar, saying it was made without his consent and violated the principles of Sanatana Dharma.
Rishi Das emphasized that the appointment of Kulkarni, who has ties to the film industry and faced criminal accusations, was unconstitutional. He also took issue with the manner in which the title was conferred upon Kulkarni, bypassing traditional religious practices. According to Rishi Das, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi and others within the Akhara failed to follow proper rituals and introduced individuals into the Akhara who did not adhere to spiritual renunciation, which he deemed detrimental to the Akhara’s sanctity.
In addition to Kulkarni’s expulsion, Rishi Das relieved Tripathi of his position, accusing him of straying from his role, which was meant to focus on religious propagation and community upliftment. Das further alleged that Tripathi had made an unauthorized deal with the Juna Akhara during the 2019 Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, undermining the Akhara’s integrity.
Mamta Kulkarni’s appointment had already sparked controversy, especially from figures within the Kinnar Akhara such as Himangi Sakhi Maa, who questioned the decision based on Kulkarni’s criminal history and her sudden rise to prominence within the Akhara.
Kulkarni, known for her roles in 1990s Bollywood hits like Karan Arjun and Baazi, was named “Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri” and had been in contact with the Akhara for over a year. However, her induction into the Akhara has now become a contentious issue, with critics raising concerns about her past and the legitimacy of her appointment.
