Yogi Adityanath

ABOUT

Yogi Adityanath, born Ajay Singh Bisht on June 5, 1972, is an Indian Hindu monk and politician who has served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state, since March 19, 2017. He is a prominent member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and is also the head priest (Mahant) of the Gorakhnath Math, a temple in Gorakhpur. Known for his fiery speeches and strong stance on various issues, Adityanath has made a significant mark in Indian politics.

BEFORE FAME

Adityanath was born in Panchur, a small village in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttar Pradesh (now in Uttarakhand). He pursued his education in Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, earning a degree in Mathematics. In 1993, he renounced his family and became a disciple of Mahant Avaidyanath, the head priest of Gorakhnath Math. He was given the name 'Yogi Adityanath' upon his initiation into the Nath tradition.

POLITICAL CAREER

Adityanath's political journey began in 1998 when he became the youngest Member of Parliament in the 12th Lok Sabha at the age of 26. He succeeded his spiritual mentor, Mahant Avaidyanath, as the MP from Gorakhpur and was re-elected for five consecutive terms. During his tenure as an MP, he was known for his advocacy of Hindu nationalist policies.

TRIVIA

• Yogi Adityanath has founded the Hindu Yuva Vahini, a militant youth organization, aimed at promoting Hindutva and addressing issues of conversions and anti-Hindu activities.
• He has often been a controversial figure due to his outspoken views on topics such as religious conversions, cow slaughter, and religious identity.
• Adityanath has implemented several policies aimed at improving law and order in Uttar Pradesh, including launching "Anti-Romeo Squads" to protect women from harassment and cracking down on illegal slaughterhouses.

FAMILY LIFE

Yogi Adityanath hails from a Rajput family. He is one of seven siblings, and his father was a forest ranger. Despite his renunciation of familial ties to become a monk, Adityanath remains deeply connected to his heritage and frequently draws from his upbringing in his public speeches and policies.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Yogi Adityanath is closely associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideals. He has collaborated with key figures in the party, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah. His tenure as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh is characterized by alignment with the central government's policies and initiatives, particularly those centered on economic development and national security.

Since taking office, Yogi Adityanath has played a pivotal role in U.P.'s political landscape, often drawing media attention and public scrutiny for his governance style and policy decisions. Despite the controversies, he remains a significant figure in India's political narrative.