Yogi Adityanath: A Prominent BJP Leader and Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister
Early Life and Education
Yogi Adityanath, born Ajay Mohan Bisht on June 5, 1972, is an Indian politician, Hindu priest, and a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He has been serving as the 22nd Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh since March 19, 2017.
He was born in Panchur, Pauri Garhwal, Uttar Pradesh (now in Uttarakhand) into a Rajput family. His father, Anand Singh Bisht, was a forest ranger, and his mother, Savitri Devi, was a homemaker. He was the second among his seven siblings.
Yogi Adityanath pursued a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Mathematics from Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University. During his college years, he was actively involved in student organizations, which later influenced his political and religious journey.
Spiritual Journey and Association with Gorakhnath Math
At the age of 21, he renounced his family life and became a disciple of Mahant Avaidyanath, the head priest of the Gorakhnath Math in Gorakhpur. Under his guidance, he adopted the monastic life and was given the title “Yogi Adityanath.”
After the passing of Mahant Avaidyanath in September 2014, Yogi Adityanath was appointed as the Peethadhishwar (Head Priest) of the Gorakhnath Math in a grand ceremony conducted as per Nath sect traditions. He is known for promoting Hindutva ideology and has played a key role in expanding the influence of the Gorakhnath Math in Eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Entry into Politics and Association with BJP
Yogi Adityanath entered politics under the mentorship of Mahant Avaidyanath, who was previously a Member of Parliament (MP) from Gorakhpur and had strong ties with the Hindu Mahasabha and the BJP.
In 1998, at the age of 26, Yogi Adityanath contested the Lok Sabha elections from Gorakhpur on a BJP ticket and won, becoming the youngest MP in the 12th Lok Sabha. He continued to represent Gorakhpur in five consecutive terms (1998, 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014).
During his tenure as an MP, he actively raised issues related to Hindutva, nationalism, and law and order in Uttar Pradesh. He also founded the Hindu Yuva Vahini, a youth organization known for its aggressive stance on Hindutva-related matters.
Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh ( 2017 –Present)
Yogi Adityanath was appointed as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh on March 18, 2017, after the BJP won a landslide victory in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections. He was sworn in on March 19, 2017.
Key Decisions and Governance Initiatives:
- Crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses: Soon after taking office, he ordered a statewide ban on illegal abattoirs.
- Anti-Romeo Squads: Special teams were deployed to curb harassment of women in public places.
- Cow Protection Measures: He enforced strict anti-cow slaughter laws and took measures to stop cattle smuggling.
- Law and Order Reforms: Under his leadership, the UP Police launched “Operation Clean” to tackle crime.
- Swachh Bharat Mission: He made it mandatory for government officials to dedicate 100 hours per year to the cleanliness drive.
- Ban on Pan, Gutka, and Tobacco in Government Offices.
Role in BJP's Rise in Uttar Pradesh
As a star campaigner for the BJP, Yogi Adityanath played a key role in mobilizing voters, particularly in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. He was actively involved in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, contributing to the BJP’s massive victory in Uttar Pradesh.
Controversies and Political Stance
Yogi Adityanath is known for his strong Hindutva ideology and has been a vocal advocate of Hindu nationalism. His Hindu Yuva Vahini has been involved in several political and social campaigns, often attracting criticism for its aggressive approach.
He has also been linked to several controversies, including his speeches on religious conversions, cow protection, and law and order issues. Despite criticism from opposition parties, his popularity remains strong among BJP supporters.
Personal Information
| Full Name | Yogi Adityanath (Ajay Mohan Bisht) |
|---|
| Born | 5 June 1972 (Age: 52) |
| Father’s Name | Anand Singh Bisht |
| Mother’s Name | Savitri Devi |
| Birth Place | Panchur, Pauri Garhwal, Uttar Pradesh (Now Uttarakhand) |
| Political Party | Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) |
| Education | BSc (Mathematics) – HNB Garhwal University |
| Residence | 5, Kalidas Marg, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh |
| Net Worth (2020) | ₹70 Lakh |
| Occupation | Politician, Hindu Priest |
Books Written by Yogi Adityanath
- Hathayoga Swarupa evam Sadhna (2007)
- Rajayoga Swarupa evam Sadhna