After stepping down from the position of Kinnar Akhara Mahamandaleshwar, Bollywood actress-turned-Sadhvi Mamta Kulkarni made several startling claims in a recent interview. Her remarks not only left many surprised but also amused. She addressed the criticisms directed at the Bageshwar Dham Government and Baba Ramdev, firmly denying reports that she had paid Rs 10 crore to secure the prestigious title. Instead, she clarified that she was financially strained and had borrowed Rs 2 lakh to offer Guru Dakshina.
Financial Struggles and Seized Bank Account
Speaking to India TV, Mamta Kulkarni revealed that the government had frozen her bank account, exacerbating her financial troubles. She expressed her distress, explaining that she had been facing a severe financial crisis for a long time. She even described the poor condition of her house, which had become deteriorated and infested with termites. Refuting the allegations, she stated, “Forget Rs 10 crore, I don’t even have Rs 1 crore. You have no idea how I am managing. I am completely out of funds.”
Struggles with Property Maintenance
Mamta Kulkarni disclosed that she owns three apartments, but their condition has worsened over the years. “These properties have been closed for the last 23 years and are now in an extremely poor state. They are full of termites. I cannot even describe how difficult it is to maintain them,” she said. Her removal from the Mahamandaleshwar position was publicly announced by Rishi Ajay Das, the founder of Kinnar Akhara, on January 31.
Criticism from Rishi Ajay Das
Rishi Ajay Das openly criticized the process through which Mamta Kulkarni was appointed. In his statement, he emphasized that her appointment did not adhere to traditional religious and Akhara customs. “She was given the title and position of Mahamandaleshwar without undergoing proper sanyasi initiation or following Akhara traditions. Therefore, for the benefit of the country, Sanatan Dharma, and society, I had no choice but to remove her from the position,” he declared.