Pankajnath Tiwari :-
Yogi Adityanath, whose birth name is Ajay Mohan Bisht, is an Indian politician and monk who is associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He was born on June 5, 1972, in the village of Panchur, in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India.
Yogi Adityanath became involved with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at a young age and eventually joined its youth wing, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). He became a prominent figure within the VHP and was involved in various campaigns related to Hindu nationalism.
In 1998, Yogi Adityanath was elected to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament, representing the Gorakhpur constituency in Uttar Pradesh. He has been re-elected from the same constituency in subsequent elections. As a Member of Parliament, he focused on issues such as education, healthcare, and rural development.
In addition to his political career, Yogi Adityanath is a prominent Hindu monk of the Nath sect. He became the head priest of the Gorakhnath Math, a Hindu temple and monastery in Gorakhpur, after the death of his mentor, Mahant Avaidyanath, in 2014.
Yogi Adityanath’s political career took a significant turn in 2017 when he was appointed as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh after the BJP won a majority in the state assembly elections. As Chief Minister, he implemented several policies aimed at promoting development, improving law and order, and addressing issues such as cow slaughter and illegal mining.
However, his tenure as Chief Minister has also been controversial. Yogi Adityanath has been criticized for his alleged role in promoting religious polarization and his comments targeting minority communities. His government’s handling of certain incidents, such as the Unnao rape case, also attracted criticism.
Early Life and Education: Yogi Adityanath was born into a Rajput family. His father, Anand Singh Bisht, was a forest ranger. Adityanath completed his schooling from the Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Inter College in Uttarakhand. After completing his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, he renounced worldly life and became a disciple of Mahant Avaidyanath at the Gorakhnath Math in Gorakhpur.
Social and Charitable Work: Apart from his political and religious roles, Yogi Adityanath has been involved in various social and charitable activities. He has initiated campaigns to promote education, healthcare, and sanitation in rural areas. He established the Maharana Pratap Shiksha Parishad, which runs schools providing free education to underprivileged children.
Political Ideology: Yogi Adityanath is known for his staunch Hindu nationalist ideology. He has advocated for the protection of Hindu rights, the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, and the implementation of a uniform civil code in India. He has also been vocal about issues related to national security and illegal immigration.
Controversies: Yogi Adityanath’s tenure as Chief Minister has been marked by several controversies. He has faced criticism for his alleged inflammatory speeches and comments targeting minority communities. Some of his policies, such as the anti-conversion law and the crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses, have also been contentious and faced criticism for their impact on religious freedom and livelihoods.
Development Initiatives: As Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath has launched various development initiatives in Uttar Pradesh. These include schemes for improving infrastructure, rural electrification, and access to healthcare. He has also emphasized the importance of attracting investment and promoting industrialization in the state.
Political Influence: Yogi Adityanath is considered a key figure within the BJP and has played an influential role in the party’s Uttar Pradesh unit. His popularity among the Hindu nationalist base has helped consolidate support for the BJP in the state.
Handling of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Yogi Adityanath faced both praise and criticism for his government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Uttar Pradesh. The state implemented various measures to control the spread of the virus, including setting up dedicated COVID-19 hospitals, increasing testing capacity, and imposing lockdowns. However, there were also reports of challenges in healthcare infrastructure, shortage of medical supplies, and allegations of underreporting COVID-19 cases and deaths.
Electoral Performance: Yogi Adityanath’s leadership has contributed to the electoral success of the BJP in Uttar Pradesh. Under his tenure as Chief Minister, the party won the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, securing a significant majority of seats in the state. This success was seen as a testament to his popularity and the appeal of his Hindu nationalist agenda.
Initiatives for Women’s Safety: Yogi Adityanath launched several initiatives aimed at improving women’s safety in Uttar Pradesh. This included the establishment of Women Power Line 1090, a helpline for women to report harassment and crimes, and the introduction of the ‘Pink Patrol’ to ensure safer public spaces for women.
Infrastructure Development: Yogi Adityanath has emphasized the importance of infrastructure development in Uttar Pradesh. His government has focused on initiatives such as the construction of roads, bridges, and the expansion of the metro rail network in cities like Lucknow and Noida. These efforts aim to attract investment, boost economic growth, and improve connectivity within the state.
Cultural Conservation: Yogi Adityanath has placed an emphasis on preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh. The government has organized cultural festivals and events, such as the Kumbh Mela, to showcase the state’s rich traditions and attract tourism. Efforts have also been made to restore and renovate historical sites, temples, and monuments.
Political Ambitions: Yogi Adityanath’s leadership in Uttar Pradesh has fueled speculation about his potential political ambitions at the national level. Some political analysts view him as a potential future contender for the Prime Ministerial position, while others see his influence within the BJP as a key factor in shaping the party’s direction.
Farmer Issues: Yogi Adityanath’s government has faced challenges in addressing the concerns of farmers in Uttar Pradesh. In response to farmer protests against new agricultural laws in 2020-2021, his administration took measures to assure farmers about the benefits of the reforms. However, there have been instances of clashes between farmers and the police, raising concerns about the handling of the protests.
Educational Reforms: Yogi Adityanath’s government has initiated several educational reforms in Uttar Pradesh. This includes the introduction of programs to enhance the quality of education, such as the “Prerna” program aimed at improving learning outcomes in government schools. Efforts have also been made to modernize and upgrade educational infrastructure across the state.
Infrastructure Projects: Yogi Adityanath’s administration has prioritized large-scale infrastructure projects to improve connectivity and promote economic growth. Some notable projects include the Purvanchal Expressway, the Ganga Expressway, and the Bundelkhand Expressway, which aim to enhance transportation and boost regional development.
Environmental Conservation: Yogi Adityanath has shown interest in environmental conservation and has launched initiatives to address issues like pollution and deforestation. For instance, his government has implemented the “Namami Gange” project to clean and rejuvenate the Ganges River. Efforts have also been made to increase green cover through tree plantation drives.
Welfare Schemes: Yogi Adityanath’s government has introduced various welfare schemes to uplift marginalized sections of society. Programs such as the “Mukhyamantri Samagra Gram Vikas Yojana” aim to provide holistic development in rural areas. The “Kanya Sumangala Yojana” focuses on the welfare of girl children and aims to improve their educational opportunities.
Digital Initiatives: Yogi Adityanath has laid emphasis on digital governance and e-governance initiatives in Uttar Pradesh. The state has implemented schemes like the “e-Office” system to digitize administrative processes and improve transparency. Efforts have also been made to expand internet connectivity and promote digital literacy in rural areas.
Religious Tourism: Yogi Adityanath has focused on promoting religious tourism in Uttar Pradesh. The government has taken steps to develop and improve infrastructure around major religious sites, such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura, and Vrindavan. This includes the construction of amenities for pilgrims, beautification projects, and the organization of religious festivals and events.
Law and Order: Yogi Adityanath has placed a significant emphasis on improving law and order in Uttar Pradesh. The state government has taken measures to combat crime, including setting up anti-romeo squads to tackle harassment, establishing women’s police stations, and strengthening the police force. However, critics argue that there is a need for further improvement in the overall security situation.
Skill Development: Yogi Adityanath’s government has prioritized skill development programs to enhance employment opportunities for the youth in Uttar Pradesh. Initiatives like the “Kaushal Satrang Yojana” aim to provide vocational training and skill upgradation to individuals, enabling them to acquire employable skills and improve their livelihood prospects.
International Engagements: Yogi Adityanath has engaged in diplomatic efforts to attract foreign investments and promote Uttar Pradesh on the global stage. He has participated in international forums and events to showcase the state’s potential for trade and investment, particularly in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.
COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign: Yogi Adityanath’s government launched an extensive COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Uttar Pradesh. Efforts were made to accelerate the vaccination drive, including the establishment of vaccination centers, awareness campaigns, and the prioritization of high-risk groups. The state aimed to achieve widespread vaccination coverage to mitigate the impact of the pandemic.
Social Welfare Schemes: Yogi Adityanath’s administration has implemented various social welfare schemes to uplift disadvantaged sections of society. Initiatives like the “Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana” provide financial assistance for the education and marriage of girls from economically weaker backgrounds. Other programs include schemes for the welfare of farmers, artisans, and small-scale industries.
Women Empowerment: Yogi Adityanath has taken steps to promote women’s empowerment in Uttar Pradesh. The state government has launched initiatives such as the “One Stop Center” and “Mahila Shakti Kendra” to provide support and assistance to women affected by violence. Efforts have also been made to enhance women’s participation in decision-making and provide them with economic opportunities.
