India, Jan. 27 -- The standoff between Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has escalated after a senior Ayodhya-based bureaucrat resigned from service, citing support for the chief minister, the Prime Minister and the Constitution.

The controversy began earlier this month during the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, where the Shankaracharya and his supporters alleged that authorities prevented them from taking a ceremonial dip at the Sangam.

The administration denied the charge, stating that the saint's chariot procession was halted to avoid a possible stampede in the heavily crowded area and that he was asked to proceed on foot like other devotees.

Responding strongly, the Shankarac...