Yogi Adityanath: Journey From Gorakhpur Monk to Uttar Pradesh’s Firebrand Leader

Yogi Adityanath: Journey From Gorakhpur Monk to Uttar Pradesh’s Firebrand Leader

Yogi Adityanath, the saffron-robed monk turned politician, is one of India's most influential and controversial political figures. Born as Ajay Singh Bisht on 5th June 1972 in a small village named Panchur in Uttarakhand, his journey from a humble background to becoming the Chief Minister of India’s most populous state is nothing short of extraordinary.

Early Life and Education

Ajay Singh Bisht was born into a Rajput family. His father, Anand Singh Bisht, was a forest ranger. From a young age, Ajay showed a deep interest in religion, spirituality, and social issues. He pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University. Despite being inclined towards science, the spiritual call was always strong in him.

Spiritual Transformation – Becoming ‘Yogi Adityanath’

In the early 1990s, he met Mahant Avaidyanath, the head priest of the Gorakhnath Math in Gorakhpur and a prominent Hindu leader. Inspired by Avaidyanath’s ideologies and spiritual influence, Ajay Singh Bisht renounced his family life and became his disciple. He was formally initiated into the Nath sect of Hinduism and given the name 'Yogi Adityanath'. In 1994, he was declared as the successor of Mahant Avaidyanath.

This phase transformed his life. The Math not only served religious purposes but was also a center of political activism. It laid the foundation for Yogi Adityanath’s entry into Indian politics.

Entry into Politics

In 1998, at the young age of 26, Yogi Adityanath was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) from Gorakhpur. This made him the youngest MP in the 12th Lok Sabha. He went on to win five consecutive terms from the same constituency till 2017.

Known for his strong speeches and bold Hindutva stance, he soon emerged as a popular figure in the BJP, especially among its core Hindu nationalist supporters. Yogi also founded the Hindu Yuva Vahini, a youth organization that supported Hindu causes and helped strengthen his grassroots presence.

Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh

In March 2017, the Bharatiya Janata Party won a sweeping victory in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. In a surprising but strategic move, Yogi Adityanath was chosen as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. This decision shocked many political analysts, as he was considered a hardliner and was not part of the main leadership discussions during the campaign.

As CM, he promised to deliver strong governance, law and order, and development. Under his leadership, many changes were introduced, including:

• Crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses
• Anti-Romeo squads to ensure women’s safety
• Fast-tracking infrastructure projects like expressways and airports
• Increasing investments and industrial development
• Focus on religious tourism, especially Ayodhya and Kashi corridors

While he received praise for law enforcement and administrative discipline, critics accused him of promoting divisive politics.

Controversies and Image

Yogi Adityanath has been a polarizing figure. His fiery speeches and blunt comments often triggered controversies. He has faced criticism from human rights groups and opposition parties for allegedly promoting communal divide. However, his supporters see him as a no-nonsense leader who delivers what he promises and prioritizes national and cultural pride.

Legacy and Future

In 2022, he made history by becoming the first Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh to return to power after completing a full five-year term. This cemented his position as a key face in BJP’s leadership and a probable contender for future national roles.

Yogi Adityanath’s biopic is not just the story of a monk who turned politician, but also of a man who continues to reshape one of India’s most complex and politically vital states. Love him or criticize him, his journey is a reflection of how spiritual ideology and political power can converge to create a lasting impact on Indian politics.

---

The life of Yogi Adityanath is a blend of devotion, determination, and political ambition. From the quiet mountains of Uttarakhand to the political corridors of Lucknow, his path is marked with controversy, charisma, and conviction. A biopic on him isn’t just a tale—it’s a chronicle of India’s changing political narrative.