Ayodhya GST Deputy Commissioner Prashant Kumar has withdrawn his resignation, denying any pressure and addressing allegations linked to his brother and a disputed disability certificate, amid a broader political and social controversy in Uttar Pradesh.
Resignation Withdrawn, Officer Returns to Duty
Lucknow: In Ayodhya, GST Deputy Commissioner Prashant Kumar has withdrawn his resignation just days after stepping down from his post. Speaking publicly, he clarified that his decision to take back the resignation was entirely voluntary and not influenced by any pressure. He confirmed that he has resumed work and is currently performing his official duties as usual.
Earlier, Prashant Kumar had resigned from his position, stating that he was doing so in support of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His resignation came during a period of heightened political and administrative tension in Uttar Pradesh.
Addressing personal allegations, Prashant Kumar spoke openly about his brother Vishwajeet Singh, whom he described as an active member of the Mukhtar Ansari gang in Mau and a former financial advisor to the group. He alleged that his brother has multiple criminal cases registered against him, including extortion, threats, and violent behaviour.
According to Prashant Kumar, his brother has even attacked their parents, leading to the registration of an FIR. He also claimed that Vishwajeet Singh threatened a branch manager of a telecom company and is involved in pressuring people for money. Prashant Kumar clearly distanced himself from his brother, calling him a criminal and stating that he has no association with his illegal activities.
The officer also addressed allegations related to a disability certificate, which had been claimed to be fake. He said that in 2021, his brother filed a complaint with the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Mau, alleging that Prashant Kumar’s disability certificate was forged due to missing dates and doctors’ signatures.
Prashant Kumar explained that the certificate was issued by the CMO’s own office, yet instead of verifying its authenticity, an inquiry was initiated directly against him. He later appeared before the Chief Medical Officer of Ayodhya, who sought clarification from the CMO Mau. In response, the CMO Mau confirmed in writing that the certificate was genuine.
Despite this official confirmation, Prashant Kumar questioned why his certificate continues to be described as fake repeatedly.
This episode occurred amid a wave of resignations linked to a broader controversy involving religious leadership and allegations of discrimination. Earlier, on January 26, a city magistrate in Bareilly resigned, accusing the state government of running a “campaign against Brahmins.” He claimed that members of the Brahmin community were being targeted and harassed.
Following this, Prashant Kumar resigned in a show of support for the state and central leadership, sending a two-page resignation letter to the Governor and publicly stating his loyalty to the Prime Minister and Chief Minister.
With the resignation now withdrawn, Prashant Kumar has resumed his role, maintaining that his actions—both resigning and returning—were taken independently. The episode highlights the intersection of personal disputes, administrative processes, and political sensitivities within Uttar Pradesh’s bureaucracy.
