Question: King Pratāparudra and Rāmānanda Rāya both were externally materialists, having opulent positions, but internally pure devotees. Why Lord Caitanya kept King Pratāparudra away because he was wealthy and materialistic, but discussed most confidential pastimes with Rāmānanda Rāya? Same is the case with Puṇḍarīka Vidyānidhi, who was externally exhibiting himself as a materialist, but internally he was a pure devotee. What is the difference between King Pratāparudra externally a materialist, and Rāmānanda Rāya and Puṇḍarīka Vidyānidhi externally a materialist or have opulent, material positions?

Jayapataka Swami:The difference is that Pratāparudra was a king, and that Lord Caitanya wanted to establish that, one should avoid kings. Although Rāmānanda Rāya was a governor, and although Puṇḍarīka Vidyānidhi was a landlord, what they called a zamindar, they were not kings as such. So, Lord Caitanya actually ultimately, gave mercy to king Pratāparudra, but officially, he wanted to teach His followers not to hob-nob with politicians, associate with politicians.
06-June-2020 SRI DHAM MAYAPUR, INDIA