Introduction
Yogi Adityanath, born Ajay Mohan Bisht, is one of the most influential and dynamic political figures in modern India. Known for his fiery speeches, strict administrative style, and deep-rooted Hindutva ideology, Yogi Adityanath has carved a niche for himself not only as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh but also as a symbol of decisive governance.
Early Life and Education
Birth and Family Background
Yogi Adityanath was born on June 5, 1972, in Panchur village of Pauri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand (then part of Uttar Pradesh). He was born into a Rajput family. His father’s name was Anand Singh Bisht, a forest ranger, and his mother’s name is Savitri Devi.
Education and Transformation
He studied Mathematics at Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University in Uttarakhand. From a young age, Ajay Bisht showed interest in spiritual and social issues. His transformation from Ajay Bisht to Yogi Adityanath happened under the guidance of Mahant Avaidyanath, the head priest of the Gorakhnath Math.
In 1994, he was initiated into the monastic order and given the name Yogi Adityanath. He became the head priest (Mahant) of the Gorakhnath Math after the death of his guru in 1998.
Entry into Politics
Yogi Adityanath entered politics as the youngest Member of Parliament (MP) in the 12th Lok Sabha in 1998, representing the Gorakhpur constituency. He was just 26 years old at the time. Since then, he has been elected as an MP five times consecutively – in 1998, 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014.
Rise Through the Ranks: From MP to CM
Role in BJP and Hindu Yuva Vahini
In 2002, Yogi Adityanath founded the Hindu Yuva Vahini, a youth organization known for its right-wing ideology and grassroots activism. His growing influence in eastern UP made him a popular yet controversial figure within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Appointment as Chief Minister
In March 2017, after BJP’s landslide victory in Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Yogi Adityanath was unexpectedly chosen as the 21st Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. His selection was seen as a bold political move by the party’s central leadership.
He was re-elected in 2022, becoming the first Chief Minister of UP to return to power after completing a full five-year term.
Key Policies and Reforms
Law and Order
Yogi Adityanath is known for his zero-tolerance policy towards crime. His government launched “Operation Clean” to crack down on criminal gangs, leading to hundreds of encounters and arrests.
Infrastructure and Development
Under his leadership, Uttar Pradesh witnessed:
- Construction of expressways (e.g., Purvanchal Expressway, Bundelkhand Expressway)
- Boost to airports and metro projects
- Investment summits attracting major industries and jobs
Religious Tourism
Yogi focused heavily on promoting religious and cultural tourism, especially in Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura. The construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has become a symbol of his governance.
Welfare Schemes
His government implemented:
- PM Awas Yojana
- Free ration during COVID-19
- Ujjwala gas connections
- Kanya Sumangala Yojana
Yogi Adityanath’s Leadership Style
Yogi is often described as a strict, no-nonsense administrator. His monk-like discipline reflects in his work ethic. He is known to hold regular reviews, midnight inspections, and even suspend non-performing officials.
Key Traits
- Discipline
- Quick decision-making
- Focus on results
- Firm on ideology
Controversies and Criticisms
Communal Rhetoric
Yogi Adityanath has faced criticism for polarizing speeches. His Hindutva stance often draws accusations of marginalizing minorities.
Bulldozer Politics
His government’s practice of demolishing illegal properties of alleged criminals, often linked with Muslims, has been termed “bulldozer justice” and has sparked debates about constitutional rights and due process.
Media Control
His critics accuse him of suppressing dissent, especially during events like the anti-CAA protests and COVID-19 crisis, where journalists and activists were allegedly harassed.
Public Image and Popularity
Despite controversies, Yogi Adityanath remains immensely popular, particularly among the rural and urban Hindu population. His clean image, monk background, and tough governance style appeal to a large voter base.
In surveys conducted by India Today and ABP-CVoter, he often ranks among the top 3 most popular Chief Ministers in India.
Role in National Politics
Yogi vs Modi?
Some political analysts see Yogi Adityanath as a future Prime Ministerial candidate. His image as a strong Hindutva leader and development-focused CM puts him in the spotlight after Narendra Modi.
Support from RSS and BJP
Yogi enjoys strong backing from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and key BJP leaders, despite some internal friction due to his independent decision-making style.
Future Prospects
Yogi Adityanath, at 53, is relatively young in Indian politics. With two successful terms as UP CM, he is widely expected to:
- Play a bigger role in national governance
- Possibly lead BJP in future Lok Sabha elections
- Be projected as the face of BJP’s Hindutva 2.0
Interesting Facts
- Yogi is a teetotaler and strictly follows celibacy and vegetarianism.
- He rarely takes holidays and is known to wake up by 4 AM daily.
- He has a pet cow and spends time with animals at his Math.
- Despite being CM, he continues to perform religious duties as Mahant.
- He writes articles and books on Hindu philosophy and Indian culture.
Conclusion
Yogi Adityanath is a unique combination of spiritualism and politics. His tenure as CM has been marked by bold decisions, tough governance, and a clear ideological stance. Whether one supports him or not, it’s clear that he has reshaped the political landscape of Uttar Pradesh and perhaps set the stage for a national role in the years to come.
FAQs
Q1. What is Yogi Adityanath’s real name?
Ans: Yogi Adityanath’s birth name is Ajay Mohan Bisht.
Q2. How many times has Yogi Adityanath been elected as MP?
Ans: He has been elected five times as Member of Parliament from Gorakhpur.
Q3. When did Yogi Adityanath become the CM of UP?
Ans: He became the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh on March 19, 2017.
Q4. What is the Hindu Yuva Vahini?
Ans: It is a youth organization founded by Yogi Adityanath in 2002, known for its right-wing activities.
Q5. Is Yogi Adityanath a future PM candidate?
Ans: While the BJP has not officially declared this, many see him as a strong contender for national leadership in future.
