ISKCON removes top Kolkata priest, bars him from speaking on its behalf

Radharaman Das, who had become one of ISKCON's most outspoken public figures on contentious issues, says the action stemmed from his public interventions. ISKCON, however, says the step was taken because he repeatedly violated organisational procedures, acted without authorisation and took positions contrary to the organisation's official mandate.

In Short

• Das barred from media, government and public representation
• Action taken over procedural violations, not his views, says ISKCON
• Das linked removal to his public comments on sensitive issues

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has removed its Kolkata vice-president, Radharaman Das, from all organisational responsibilities and barred him from representing the organisation before the media, government authorities or any public forum.

The action follows years of public interventions by Das on politically and religiously sensitive issues, though ISKCON has officially maintained that the disciplinary action was taken over repeated violations of organisational procedures rather than the views he expressed.

WHAT ISKCON ANNOUNCED

In a media statement issued on Sunday, ISKCON said Das had been sent on "compulsory leave of absence" and directed not to speak or act on behalf of the organisation.

The organisation said that, as a global body operating in more than 100 countries, ISKCON follows established rules, standards and ethical guidelines for its members. It said corrective measures had been initiated after "multiple requests" made to Das over several years.

According to ISKCON, Das failed to follow organisational procedures, acted unilaterally in contravention of the organisation's official stand, and interfered in matters beyond his jurisdiction. It further alleged that certain actions taken by him had put "the safety and wellbeing of members at risk in different parts of the world."

ISKCON said it had encouraged Das to "reflect and correct his course of action" during the period of his compulsory leave.

WHAT RADHARAMAN DAS SAID

Shortly after ISKCON's statement, Das confirmed that he had been relieved of all his responsibilities and instructed not to represent the organisation before the media, government authorities or any public forum.

"I respect the decisions taken by the authorities and will abide by the directions issued to me," he said, adding that he would no longer interact with the media or make public statements on the issues concerned.

Das listed six reasons that he said had been cited for the action against him. According to him, these included speaking publicly and giving media interviews on the alleged persecution of Hindus and devotees in Bangladesh, extending support to Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu, issuing a legal notice to former Union minister Maneka Gandhi over her allegation that ISKCON sells cows to butchers, and filing a cyber complaint against comedian Surleen Kaur over allegedly derogatory remarks against ISKCON.

Das, however, did not claim that ISKCON had objected to the substance of his views. Instead, he reproduced the reasons that he said had been communicated to him by the organisation.

BACKDROP TO THE DECISION

The development comes shortly after the West Bengal government announced that ISKCON would assist in the preparation and distribution of mid-day meals in schools under the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.

Over the past few years, Das had emerged as one of ISKCON's most prominent public faces, frequently commenting on issues beyond the organisation's religious activities, including the treatment of Hindus in Bangladesh, Sanatana Dharma, and other politically contentious matters.

While Das has linked the action to these public interventions, ISKCON has maintained that the decision was based on repeated violations of organisational procedures, unauthorised public interventions and actions that it said went beyond his mandate.

"I remain grateful for the affection and support extended to me over the years and pray for the continued growth and success of ISKCON," Das said.

- Ends