Yogi Adityanath
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| Yogi Adityanath – Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh | |
| Born | 05 June 1972 (age 53) Panchur, Pauri Garhwal, Uttar Pradesh (now Uttarakhand), India |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | B.Sc. in Mathematics |
| Alma mater | Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University |
| Occupation | Politician, Hindu Monk |
| Years active | 1998 – present |
| Known for | Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Hindutva Politics, Strong Law & Order Governance |
| Notable works | Formation of Hindu Yuva Vahini, Ram Mandir Consecration |
| Awards | Listed among Top 5 Most Powerful Indians (2023–24) – The Indian Express |
| Spouse(s) | Not married |
| Parents | Anand Singh Bisht (father), Savitri Devi (mother) |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Website | upcmo.up.nic.in |
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Yogi Adityanath (Ajay Mohan Singh Bisht) is an Indian Hindu monk and politician serving as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh since 19 March 2017. A member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he is the first CM of the state to serve two consecutive terms and one of India’s most influential political leaders. Known for his strong law-and-order governance, Yogi has built a distinct political identity around Hindutva and administrative discipline.
Early Life and Education
Yogi Adityanath was born on 5 June 1972 in Panchur village, Pauri Garhwal (then in Uttar Pradesh, now in Uttarakhand) to Anand Singh Bisht, a forest ranger, and Savitri Devi. He completed his B.Sc. in Mathematics from Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University.
In his youth, he became deeply influenced by Hindu nationalism and later joined the Ayodhya Ram Temple movement. During this time, he met Mahant Avaidyanath, the head priest of Gorakhnath Math in Gorakhpur, who became his spiritual mentor. After Avaidyanath’s death in 2014, Adityanath succeeded him as the Mahant (head priest) of the Gorakhnath Math.
Early Political Career
Yogi Adityanath entered politics in 1998 when he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) from Gorakhpur at the age of 26 — becoming one of India’s youngest MPs. He went on to win the Lok Sabha elections from the same constituency in 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014.
He also founded the Hindu Yuva Vahini, a youth organization aimed at promoting Hindu unity and social work in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh
First Term (2017–2022)
After the BJP’s landslide victory in the 2017 Uttar Pradesh elections, Yogi Adityanath was sworn in as the state’s 21st Chief Minister. His administration focused on:
- Improving law and order and reducing crime
- Launching anti-Romeo squads to ensure women’s safety
- Crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses
- Waiving ₹36,000 crore in farmer loans
- Promoting industrial growth through the Defence Industrial Corridor and the Noida Electronics Hub
He gained the nickname “Bulldozer Baba” for using bulldozers to demolish illegal properties linked to criminals.
Second Term (2022–Present)
In 2022, Yogi Adityanath made history by becoming the first UP CM to return to power after a full term. His second term has focused on:
- Building infrastructure and expressways
- Organizing the Global Investors Summit to attract investments
- Strengthening religious tourism — especially through the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Project
- Maintaining strict law enforcement and anti-encroachment drives
Under his leadership, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as one of India’s leading states in investment and infrastructure development.
Policies and Governance
Yogi Adityanath’s government introduced several impactful policies:
- Anti-Conversion (Love Jihad) Ordinance 2020
- Population Control Policy (2021–2030)
- Promotion of One District One Product (ODOP) scheme
- Development of Purvanchal Expressway and Ganga Expressway
Controversies
Despite his achievements, Yogi Adityanath has faced criticism for:
- Alleged encounter killings by police
- Accusations of religious discrimination in administration
- Use of Hindutva politics in governance
Still, his image as a strict, no-nonsense administrator has made him one of India’s most popular leaders.
Achievements
- First CM of UP to serve two consecutive terms
- Longest-serving Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh
- Major boost to infrastructure and law enforcement
- Recognized among India’s Top 5 Most Powerful Leaders (The Indian Express, 2023–24)
- Played a key role in the Ram Mandir consecration in 2024
In Popular Culture
A biographical film titled “Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi” is scheduled to release on 1 August 2025. It is based on Shantanu Gupta’s book “The Monk Who Became Chief Minister,” showcasing Yogi Adityanath’s transformation from a monk to a political leader.