ISKCON Removes Radharaman Das From Kolkata Posts, Bars Him From Public Representation
ISKCON has removed its Kolkata vice-president, Radharaman Das, from all organisational responsibilities and directed him not to speak or act on behalf of the organisation in public forums, media interactions, or before government authorities.
The decision has drawn attention as Das had become one of ISKCON’s most visible public figures in recent years, frequently commenting on sensitive religious and political issues. However, ISKCON has maintained that the action was linked to internal procedures and unauthorised public interventions.
ISKCON Sends Radharaman Das On Compulsory Leave
According to ISKCON, Das has been placed on compulsory leave of absence. The organisation said the move followed repeated violations of its internal rules, procedures, and ethical guidelines.
ISKCON said it operates across more than 100 countries and follows established standards for public communication and organisational discipline. It also stated that corrective steps were taken after multiple requests had been made to Das over the past several years.
Organisation Cites Unauthorised Public Statements
ISKCON said Das had acted without authorisation, taken positions that did not reflect the organisation’s official mandate and interfered in matters outside his jurisdiction.
The organisation further claimed that some of his actions had created concerns over the safety and well-being of ISKCON members in different parts of the world.
Radharaman Das Says He Will Follow Directions
After the decision, Radharaman Das confirmed that he had been relieved of all responsibilities. He said he would respect the decision taken by the authorities and would no longer represent ISKCON before the media, government authorities, or public platforms.
Das said the reasons communicated to him included his public comments on the alleged persecution of Hindus and devotees in Bangladesh, support extended to Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu, a legal notice issued to former Union minister Maneka Gandhi over her remarks on ISKCON, and a cyber complaint filed against comedian Surleen Kaur.
Mid-Day Meal Row Adds To Public Focus
The development comes soon after the West Bengal government announced that ISKCON would assist in preparing and distributing mid-day meals in schools under the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.
While Das has linked the action to his public interventions, ISKCON has said the decision was based on procedural violations, unauthorised statements and actions beyond his official role.
For now, the organisation has asked Das to reflect on the matter during his compulsory leave, while Das has said he remains grateful for the support he received over the years and wishes continued growth for ISKCON.
