Early Life And Background:
Yogi Adityanath, born as Ajay Singh Bisht on 5 June 1972, hails from the village of Panchur in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India. He was born into a Rajput family, with his father, Anand Singh Bisht, serving as a forest ranger, and his mother, Savitri Devi, as a homemaker. Yogi Adityanath spent his early years in Pauri, where he attended a primary school for his initial education.
At the age of 21, Yogi Adityanath left his home to actively participate in the Ram Temple movement, showcasing his early inclination towards religious and social causes. During the 1990s, he became associated with the Gorakhnath Temple in Rishikesh, where he met his spiritual guru, Mahant Avaidyanath Maharaj.
The journey from Ajay Singh Bisht to Yogi Adityanath began in 1994 when, at the age of 22, he settled in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, under the guidance of Mahant Avaidyanath. It was during this time that he adopted the name Yogi Adityanath and embraced a more ascetic and spiritual way of life.
Family Members & Their Relationship:
Yogi Adityanath’s family is an integral part of his life. Here are the key members:
Family Member | Relationship |
---|---|
Father – Anand Singh Bisht | Forest Ranger; died on 20 April 2020 |
Mother – Savitri Devi | Homemaker |
Brother – Mahendra Singh Bisht (Indian Army) | Brother |
Sister – Shashi | Elder Sister |
Yogi Adityanath has maintained a close bond with his family throughout his life. Despite his demanding political career, he has made efforts to be present for family occasions and ceremonies. His visit to his native village, Panchur, in 2022, where he touched his mother’s feet and attended family events, reflects the importance he places on his family ties
Career Beginnings:
Yogi Adityanath’s political journey and career beginnings are closely tied to his involvement in the Ayodhya Ram temple movement during the 1990s. Here are the key points of his early political career:
- Ayodhya Ram Temple Movement: Yogi Adityanath left his home in the 1990s to join the Ayodhya Ram temple movement. This period marked his active participation in the socio-religious movement that aimed to construct a temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.
- Discipleship under Mahant Avaidyanath: During his time in Gorakhpur, Yogi Adityanath became a disciple of Mahant Avaidyanath, the chief of the Gorakhnath Math. This association played a crucial role in shaping his political and spiritual journey.
- Initiation into Politics: Yogi Adityanath’s initiation into politics began in 1996 when he was entrusted with managing the election campaign for Mahant Avaidyanath. This marked the starting point of his active involvement in electoral politics.
- Formation of Hindu Yuva Vahini: In 2002, Yogi Adityanath founded the Hindu Yuva Vahini, a Hindu nationalist organization. The organization became known for its activities in eastern Uttar Pradesh and played a role in Yogi’s rise in politics.
- Member of Parliament: Yogi Adityanath was elected as the Member of Parliament to the 12th Lok Sabha in 1998, representing the Gorakhpur constituency. He went on to win consecutively in the 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014 elections.
- Formation of Youth Organization: After his first electoral win, Yogi Adityanath started his own youth organization, Hindu Yuva Vahini, which became instrumental in his rapid political ascent.
- Strained Relations with BJP: Yogi Adityanath’s political journey has been marked by strained relations with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Despite occasional tensions, he has remained a star campaigner for the party.
Achievement:
- Longest-serving Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath has been serving as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh since 19 March 2017. As of the last available information, he is the longest-serving Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, surpassing his predecessors.
- Electoral Success: Yogi Adityanath has been elected as a Member of Parliament multiple times, representing the Gorakhpur constituency. His electoral victories include the 1998, 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
- Leadership Role: Yogi Adityanath assumed the position of the 21st Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh on 19 March 2017, after the BJP won the assembly elections. He secured a second term in 2022, making him the first Chief Minister to return to power after completing a full 5-year term in office.
- Social and Religious Leadership: As the head priest of the Gorakhnath Math and the founder of Hindu Yuva Vahini, Yogi Adityanath plays a significant role in shaping the narrative of Hindutva politics in Uttar Pradesh. His leadership has garnered attention and influence in both religious and political spheres.
Body Measurement & Physical Stats:
Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, maintains a distinctive physical presence. Here are some details about his body measurements and physical attributes:
- Height: Yogi Adityanath stands at approximately 163 cm (5 feet 4 inches).
- Eye Colour: His eyes are dark or black in colour.
- Hair Colour: Yogi Adityanath has black hair.
Personal Life:
Yogi Adityanath, beyond his political and religious roles, has a personal life that includes aspects such as his early life, education, and family.
Early Life and Education:
- Date of Birth: Yogi Adityanath was born on 5 June 1972, in the village of Panchur, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India.
- Birthplace: Panchur, Distt. Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India.
- Education: He completed his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University in Uttarakhand.
Spiritual Guru:
- Mahant Avaidyanath Maharaj: Yogi Adityanath’s spiritual journey began when he met Mahant Avaidyanath of Gorakhnath Temple in Rishikesh. Adityanath became his disciple at the age of 22 and settled in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, in 1994.
Personal Choices:
- Marital Status: Yogi Adityanath is unmarried and has chosen a celibate (brahmachari) lifestyle.
- Children: He does not have any children.
Personal Connect:
- Visiting Native Village: On 3 May 2022, Yogi Adityanath visited his native village, Panchur, in the Pauri district for the first time after becoming the Chief Minister. Despite the demands of his political role, he prioritized connecting with his roots.
Controversy:
Yogi Adityanath has been a prominent political figure known for his controversial statements and actions. Here are some of the notable controversies associated with him:
1. Conversion Controversy (2005):
- Alleged Purification Drive: In 2005, Yogi Adityanath allegedly led a purification drive involving the conversion of Christians to Hinduism. Reportedly, around 1,800 Christians were converted to Hinduism in the town of Etah in Uttar Pradesh.
2. Gorakhpur Riots (January 2007):
- Muharram Procession Clash: A clash occurred between a Hindu group and Muslims during a Muharram procession in Gorakhpur in January 2007, leading to the hospitalization of a young Hindu named Raj Kumar Agrahari. Yogi Adityanath was arrested for his provocative speech, and this incident resulted in the Gorakhpur riots.
3. Surya Namaskar Controversy (2015):
- Call to Leave India: Yogi Adityanath stirred controversy in 2015 when he declared that those who oppose Surya Namaskar can leave India. He suggested that those who see communalism in the Sun God should either drown themselves in the sea or live in a dark room for the rest of their lives.
4. Shah Rukh Khan Comments (Late 2015):
- Comparison to Hafiz Saeed: During the intolerance debate in late 2015, Yogi Adityanath compared Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan to Pakistani terrorist Hafiz Saeed. He suggested that Shah Rukh Khan, if boycotted by the majority population, would have to wander on the streets.
5. Prohibition by Election Commission (April 2019):
- Faith in “Ali” and “Bajrang Bali”: In April 2019, the Election Commission of India imposed a 72-hour prohibition on Yogi Adityanath for violation of the Model Code of Conduct. He made a statement at a rally suggesting that if the Congress, SP, and BSP had faith in “Ali,” “then we also have faith in Bajrang Bali.”
Challenges and Setbacks:
Yogi Adityanath has faced various challenges and setbacks throughout his political career. Here are some notable instances:
1. Internal Strife with BJP (Over a Decade):
- Strained Relations: Yogi Adityanath has had a strained relationship with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for over a decade. He often criticized the party, expressing dissatisfaction with what he perceived as a dilution of the Hindutva ideology.
- Revolt and Fielding Candidates: Adityanath revolted against the BJP leadership by fielding candidates against the official BJP candidates in elections. Notable instances include fielding Radha Mohan Das Agarwal in 2002, who defeated BJP Cabinet minister Shiv Pratap Shukla.
2. Tensions Over Election Tickets:
- Disagreements Over Ticket Allocation: Tensions between Adityanath and the BJP leadership were fueled by disagreements over the allocation of election tickets. Despite periodic revolts, the BJP leadership has managed to keep Adityanath in good humor due to his influence as a star campaigner.
3. Legal and Political Controversies:
- Arrests and Legal Issues: Yogi Adityanath has faced arrests and legal issues, such as the 2007 arrest during a mourning gathering and subsequent unrest. The District Magistrate and local police chief were replaced after his arrest.
4. Election Commission Prohibitions (April 2019):
- Prohibition for Model Code Violation: Yogi Adityanath faced a 72-hour prohibition by the Election Commission in April 2019 for violating the Model Code of Conduct. His statement about faith in “Ali” and “Bajrang Bali” during a rally led to this prohibition.
These challenges and setbacks have been part of Yogi Adityanath’s political journey, reflecting internal party conflicts, legal issues, and instances of political turbulence. Despite these challenges, he has managed to navigate the political landscape and secure significant positions in Uttar Pradesh politics.
Interests and Hobbies:
Yogi Adityanath, alongside his political engagements, has various interests and hobbies that provide insights into his personal life. Here are some aspects related to his interests and hobbies:
1. Swimming:
- Yogi Adityanath has shown an interest in swimming, a recreational activity that also contributes to physical fitness.
2. Playing Badminton:
- Engaging in sports, Yogi Adityanath has expressed an interest in playing badminton, reflecting a penchant for physical activities.
3. Feeding Animals:
- Adityanath has a humane side, as evidenced by his hobby of feeding animals. This aligns with his image as an animal lover.
4. Spiritual Pursuits:
- Given his role as the head priest (mahant) of the Gorakhnath Math and his association with the Hindu monastery, spiritual pursuits and religious activities are integral to his life.
5. Social and Nationalistic Activities:
- Yogi Adityanath founded the Hindu Yuva Vahini, a social, cultural, and nationalist group. His involvement in such organizations indicates an interest in social and nationalistic causes.
These interests and hobbies showcase a multifaceted personality beyond the political realm. From physical activities to spiritual pursuits and social engagement, Yogi Adityanath’s interests provide a glimpse into the various facets of his personal life.
Trivia and Fun Facts:
1. Name Change:
- Yogi Adityanath was born as Ajay Singh Bisht but later changed his name after becoming a disciple of Mahant Avaidyanath. The shift from Ajay to Yogi Adityanath signifies his spiritual transformation.
2. Youngest Member of Lok Sabha:
- At the age of 26, Yogi Adityanath became the youngest member of the Lok Sabha when he was elected to the 12th Lok Sabha in 1998, representing the Gorakhpur constituency.
3. Five Consecutive Terms:
- Adityanath achieved the feat of being elected as a Member of Parliament for five consecutive terms (1998, 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014) from the Gorakhpur constituency.
4. Founder of Hindu Yuva Vahini:
- Yogi Adityanath is the founder of the Hindu Yuva Vahini, a prominent social, cultural, and nationalist group in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. The organization reflects his commitment to youth mobilization.
5. Strained Relations with BJP:
- Despite his association with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Yogi Adityanath has had strained relations with the party leadership for more than a decade. His occasional revolts and differences highlight his independent political stance.
6. Animal Lover:
- Adityanath’s love for animals is evident through his hobby of feeding them. This humane side showcases a softer aspect of his personality.
7. Oath-Taking Ceremony:
- The oath-taking ceremony for Yogi Adityanath’s second term as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh took place at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on 25 March 2022.
8. Visit to Native Village:
- Despite his busy schedule, Yogi Adityanath visited his native village, Panchur, in the Pauri district on 3 May 2022. This visit included touching his mother’s feet and attending family ceremonies.