Mamta Kulkarni Expelled From Kinnar Akhada Amid Controversy
Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni, who recently returned to Mumbai and sparked speculation about a film comeback, has been expelled from the Kinnar Akhada just a week after being appointed as Mahamandaleshwar during the Maha Kumbh. Alongside her, prominent social activist Laxmi Narayan Tripathi has also been removed from his position.
Official Statement on Expulsion
On Friday, Rishi Ajay Das, the founder of Kinnar Akhada, issued an official statement announcing the removal of both members.
In a press release widely circulated by media outlets, he stated,”As the founder of Kinnar Akhada, I am hereby relieving Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi from his position, effective immediately. His appointment was meant to promote religious activities and uplift the transgender community, but he has deviated from these responsibilities.”
Expressing strong discontent, Das likened the situation to a reality show, saying, “This is not Bigg Boss that you participate in during Maha Kumbh and then remain inactive for three years.” He further alleged that Mamta Kulkarni’s appointment was improper, citing her past legal troubles.
“A person like Mamta Kulkarni, who has been accused of indulging in anti-national activities, was suddenly brought in and anointed as Mahamandaleshwar without undergoing ‘sanyas.’ This is unacceptable, and I am taking action against them,” he told PTI.
Laxmi Narayan Tripathi Hits Back
In response, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi defended his stance and refuted Das’s authority to expel him. Speaking to ANI, he claimed that Das himself had been expelled from Kinnar Akhada in 2017 due to financial misconduct.
“We had expelled Ajay Das in 2017. He opted for a household life and misappropriated Kinnar Akhada’s funds during the 2016 Ujjain Kumbh. In 2019, our akhada officially allied with Juna Akhada, and we accepted Mahant Hari Giri as our guru,” he stated.
Tripathi also defended Mamta Kulkarni, asserting that the allegations against her were dismissed by the court.
Mamta Kulkarni’s Spiritual Path
Kulkarni, once a popular Bollywood actress, had distanced herself from the film industry and embraced a spiritual lifestyle. While her initiation into the Kinnar Akhada was seen as a new chapter, her expulsion has now raised questions about internal conflicts within the religious sect.
With both sides standing firm, the controversy surrounding Kinnar Akhada’s leadership continues to unfold.
