Yogi Adityanath, a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), currently holds the position of the 22nd Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. His political journey in India spans over several decades, marked by his strong association with the BJP and his role as the head priest at the Gorakhnath Math, a Hindu temple in Gorakhpur.
Born on June 5, 1972, in the small town of Panchur in Uttarakhand’s Pauri Garhwal district, Yogi Adityanath entered the Lok Sabha in 1998 as a representative of the Gorakhpur constituency. He has been re-elected five times consecutively, solidifying his standing as a popular and influential political figure in the region.
Yogi Adityanath’s early political engagement can be traced back to his youth when he joined the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). With a deep-rooted affiliation to the BJP, he formally joined the party in 1991 and embarked on his political career.
Simultaneously, Yogi Adityanath assumed the role of head priest at the Gorakhnath Math, a position previously held by his mentor, Mahant Avaidyanath. This dual role as a political leader and a spiritual guide provided him with a unique platform to connect with both the religious and political sentiments of the people.
Throughout his tenure as Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath has been a staunch advocate for Hindutva ideology, which emphasizes the promotion of Hindu values and traditions. This stance has led to some controversial statements and policies, including his strong support for cow protection and the implementation of a nationwide ban on cow slaughter.
During his time in the 16th Lok Sabha, Yogi Adityanath displayed an active and engaged approach towards parliamentary proceedings. With an attendance rate of 77 percent, he diligently fulfilled his responsibilities as a Member of Parliament. He raised 284 questions, participated in 56 debates, and introduced three private member Bills, showcasing his commitment to addressing important issues and initiating legislative action.
Prior to his political career, Yogi Adityanath pursued a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. He also played a significant role in the Ayodhya Ram temple movement during the 1990s, contributing to the mobilization of public sentiment around the construction of a temple dedicated to Lord Ram in Ayodhya.
At the age of 21, Yogi Adityanath renounced his family and embraced a life of spirituality and service. He became a disciple of Mahant Avaidyanath, the revered former head priest of Gorakhnath Math, which further solidified his connection to the temple and the religious community.
Yogi Adityanath’s ascent to the position of Chief Minister in March 2017 marked a significant milestone in his political career. Since assuming office, he has implemented various developmental initiatives, focusing on sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. His administration has also prioritized law and order, aiming to ensure a safer and more secure environment for the people of Uttar Pradesh.
In conclusion, Yogi Adityanath’s political journey in India has been characterized by his deep-rooted association with the BJP, his role as the head priest at Gorakhnath Math, and his commitment to Hindutva ideology. As the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, he has worked towards addressing key issues and driving development in the state, while also remaining a prominent figure in national politics.