Yogi Adityanath

Yogi Adityanath – A Detailed Profile

PM at laying the foundation stone of the International Cricket Stadium at Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh on September 23, 2023.

Yogi Adityanath is an Indian politician, spiritual leader, and the current Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh (UP), the most populous state in India. Known for his firebrand Hindu nationalist rhetoric and administrative style, Yogi Adityanath has risen as one of the most influential leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Before entering mainstream politics, he served as the head priest (Mahant) of the Gorakhnath Math, a prominent Hindu monastery in Gorakhpur.

Personal Background

Birth Name: Ajay Singh Bisht
Date of Birth: June 5, 1972
Place of Birth: Panchur, Pauri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand (then part of Uttar Pradesh)
Parents: Anand Singh Bisht (father, a forest ranger) and Savitri Devi (mother)
Education:
- Graduated with a B.Sc. degree in Mathematics from HNB Garhwal University, Uttarakhand.
- Left home in 1993 to join the Gorakhnath Math, where he was deeply influenced by his spiritual guru Mahant Avaidyanath.

Spiritual Journey and Rise in the Gorakhnath Math

Yogi Adityanath became a disciple of Mahant Avaidyanath, the head of the Gorakhnath Math, who was also a Hindu nationalist leader.
In 1994, Ajay Singh Bisht was formally initiated as Yogi Adityanath and later became the Mahant (head priest) of the Gorakhnath temple after the death of Avaidyanath in 2014.
The Gorakhnath Math plays a significant role in promoting Hindu religious and cultural traditions, particularly in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Political Career

Yogi Adityanath’s political career began under the mentorship of Mahant Avaidyanath, who was also a member of Parliament. Over the years, Adityanath established himself as a key political figure in Uttar Pradesh.

1. Entry into Politics and MP Career (1998–2017)

Yogi Adityanath was elected to the Lok Sabha (Lower House of the Indian Parliament) in 1998 from Gorakhpur at the age of 26, making him one of the youngest MPs at the time.
He was re-elected as an MP from Gorakhpur five times (1998, 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014).
During his time as an MP, he focused on issues like cow protection, religious conversions, and the construction of temples.

2. Formation of Hindu Yuva Vahini (2002)

Yogi Adityanath founded the Hindu Yuva Vahini, a right-wing youth organization, which gained prominence for its aggressive stance on issues like religious conversions and cow protection.
The organization became controversial for its vigilante activities and was seen as an extension of Adityanath’s influence in eastern UP.

3. Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh (Since 2017)

After the BJP’s landslide victory in the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Yogi Adityanath was unexpectedly chosen as the Chief Minister. His appointment signaled a more assertive Hindu nationalist approach to governance.
In the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Adityanath led the BJP to victory again, becoming the first Chief Minister in over 35 years to return to power after completing a full term.

Key Policies and Initiatives as Chief Minister

Yogi Adityanath’s tenure as Chief Minister has been marked by several significant policies and administrative actions:

Law and Order Reforms:
- His government launched strict crackdowns on organized crime and criminal gangs.
- Promoted the controversial policy of police “encounters” to curb crime, leading to both praise and criticism.
- Established the Anti-Romeo Squad to tackle harassment of women.
Development Projects and Infrastructure:
- Initiated several infrastructure projects, including the construction of expressways, airports, and metro rail projects.
- Promoted industrial investment and launched the One District, One Product (ODOP) scheme to boost local industries.
Religious and Cultural Policies:
- Actively promoted Hindu festivals and traditions, including grand celebrations of Diwali in Ayodhya and Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
- Supported the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, following the Supreme Court’s verdict in 2019.
Economic and Welfare Initiatives:
- Focused on welfare schemes for farmers, including loan waivers and subsidies.
- Implemented the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and other central schemes with a focus on rural and urban housing.
COVID-19 Management:
- His government faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic but took measures like setting up oxygen plants, increasing hospital capacity, and distributing free rations to the poor.

Key Controversies

Yogi Adityanath’s tenure has not been without controversies. He is known for his polarizing statements and actions that critics argue deepen religious divides.

Communal Rhetoric:
- Adityanath has faced criticism for making statements perceived as communal, particularly targeting minorities.
- His speeches have often been accused of promoting Hindu nationalism at the cost of secular values.
Anti-Conversion Laws:
- His government passed the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance, 2020, often referred to as the “Love Jihad law,” aimed at preventing religious conversions under the pretext of marriage.
Handling of Protests:
- His government was criticized for its handling of protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the alleged use of excessive force.
Allegations of Suppressing Dissent:
- Critics accuse his government of curbing freedom of expression and targeting journalists, activists, and opposition leaders.

Personal Traits and Public Image

Yogi Adityanath is known for his disciplined and austere lifestyle. He wears saffron robes, lives in the Gorakhnath temple even as Chief Minister, and remains celibate.
His public image is that of a tough administrator and a staunch Hindu nationalist leader.
Supporters praise him for improving law and order, promoting development, and boosting UP’s economy, while critics view him as a divisive figure.

Legacy and Influence

Yogi Adityanath has emerged as a key face of the BJP and a potential future contender for national leadership.
His focus on infrastructure, law and order, and Hindu cultural revival has made him a popular leader in Uttar Pradesh, although his policies and rhetoric remain controversial on the national stage.

Source : ChatGPT