Yogi Adityanath, a prominent figure in Indian politics, serves as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and holds the position of Mahant (Chief Priest) at the Gorakhnath Math. His career has been marked by both significant achievements and considerable controversy.
Wiki/Biography
Yogi Adityanath was born on Monday, June 5, 1972 (age 52 as of 2024), in Panchur, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. His zodiac sign is Gemini. He completed his primary education in Pauri and Rishikesh before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University in 1992.
In the mid-1990s, he left home to participate in the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Movement. This is where he met Mahant Avaidyanath, the then-Mahant of Gorakhnath Math, who became a significant mentor and spiritual guide. After renouncing his family in 1993, Adityanath became Avaidyanath’s disciple in Gorakhpur.
He received his Diksha (initiation) in 1994, becoming Avaidyanath’s chosen successor and the head priest of Gorakhnath Math. This role involved managing numerous schools, colleges, and hospitals under the Gorakhnath Trust Fund.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5’4″
- Eye Colour: Black
Family
Born Ajay Mohan Bisht, he hails from a Kshatriya family. His father, Anand Singh Bisht, a forest ranger, passed away in 2020. His mother, Savitri Devi, is a homemaker. He is one of seven siblings – four brothers and three sisters. His sister Shashi runs a tea shop in Uttarakhand, while his youngest brother, Shailendra Mohan, serves as a subedar-major in the Garhwal Scouts.
| Family Member | Relationship | Profession/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Anand Singh Bisht | Father | Forest Ranger (Deceased) |
| Savitri Devi | Mother | Homemaker |
| Shashi Singh | Sister | Tea Shop Owner |
| Shailendra Mohan | Brother | Subedar-Major, Garhwal Scouts |
Career
Adityanath’s political career began in 1996, managing Mahant Avaidyanath’s election campaign. In 1998, he successfully contested and won the Lok Sabha elections from Gorakhpur, becoming the youngest Member of Parliament in the 12th Lok Sabha. Following this win, he founded the Hindu Yuva Vahini, a youth organization that has faced controversy for its alleged involvement in communal violence.
He went on to win five consecutive Lok Sabha elections (1998-2014), serving on various parliamentary committees. In 2017, following the BJP’s landslide victory in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, he was appointed Chief Minister. He was re-elected in March 2022, securing a second term.
Controversies
Adityanath’s career has been marked by numerous controversies, including allegations of hate speech, religious conversion drives, and inflammatory remarks targeting minority communities. These incidents have drawn significant criticism and sparked public debate.
Specific instances include his comments on the 2007 Gorakhpur riots and his statements on Surya Namaskar, Shah Rukh Khan, and Mother Teresa. He has also faced scrutiny for remarks perceived as inciting religious tensions and violating the Model Code of Conduct during election campaigns.
Facts
Adityanath’s life reflects a journey from academic pursuits and familial ties to spiritual devotion and political leadership. He is known for his dedication to Gorakhnath Math, where he established a “Janta Darbar” to address local issues. He also has a reputation for animal welfare, particularly for his care of cows at the Math’s Gaushala.
His personal life includes a strong bond with his family, even amid his busy political schedule. Despite numerous death threats, he has remained committed to his public duties. His life story showcases a complex blend of religious devotion, political ambition, and public service amidst controversy.
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