Mamta Kulkarni expelled from Kinnar Akhara after 'internal rule violations'

Mamta Kulkarni has been expelled from her position as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara, a decision announced by the Akhara's founder, Ajay Das, on Friday. Kulkarni had been inducted into the role during the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, with the title “Yamai Mamta Nandgiri.” Alongside Kulkarni, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, the Acharya Mahamandaleshwar who had appointed her, was also removed from the Akhara. Ajay Das cited violations of the Akhara’s internal rules and principles as the reason for the expulsions, though specific details regarding these violations have not been disclosed.

Kulkarni, a former Bollywood actress who gained popularity in the 1990s for her roles in films like Karan Arjun (1995), Baazi (1995), and China Gate (1998), had largely withdrawn from public life in the early 2000s. After distancing herself from the film industry, she adopted a spiritual path, reportedly beginning her penance ("tapasya") in 2000. Kulkarni’s appointment as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara had sparked controversy due to her past, which included her involvement in a drug case that led to her arrest. This raised questions about her eligibility for such a prestigious title within a religious order.

Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, who had been serving as Acharya Mahamandaleshwar, was removed for his role in Kulkarni’s induction. In response to his expulsion, Tripathi claimed that Ajay Das did not have the authority to dismiss him from his position. Tripathi also stressed that the Kinnar Akhara would continue to make decisions with full transparency. However, Das announced plans to restructure the Akhara and confirmed that a new Acharya Mahamandaleshwar would be appointed shortly.

The Kinnar Akhara, which was founded in 2018, is a religious organization for transgender individuals and functions under the Juna Akhara, one of the prominent Hindu religious orders. The Akhara was established with the aim of providing a spiritual home for transgender people, recognizing their role within Hinduism, and allowing them to hold positions of leadership and authority. The title of Mahamandaleshwar, which Kulkarni held for a short period, is a significant leadership position in Hindu monastic traditions, typically given to senior spiritual leaders who oversee multiple monasteries or religious centers.

Following Kulkarni’s induction, the Akhara faced growing internal factionalism. Ajay Das's decision to expel both Kulkarni and Tripathi signals the ongoing internal conflicts within the Kinnar Akhara. These disputes have raised questions about the direction and leadership structure of the Akhara. As restructuring plans unfold, it remains uncertain how the Akhara will resolve its leadership crisis and address its internal challenges.