The Bharatiya Janta Party managed to clean sweep Uttar Pradesh in the Assembly polls held last month, but what came as a bigger surprise was its choice of leader to govern what once used to be Yadavs' backyard. Yogi Adityanath, the new Chief Minister of India's largest state, is a prominent figure in the region.
He is branded as the stalwart of masculinist, borderline chauvinistic Hindutva, known for his aggressive brand of communal politics, open and strong criticism of the Muslim community, and activities of his Hindu Yuva Vahini. Yogi, as he is called, is the head priest of the Gorakhpur Temple. What is touted to be a political suicide, the question on everybody's minds is, Why did Modi choose Yogi? The ministerial appointment has the liberal-Leftists and the Opposition going AHA! As they see the move as a metaphor of the RSS-faction BJP's "Dharam ki Rajneeti". But, maybe, just maybe, this was expected? Aren't we all already accustomed to Modi's style of running the system? The Prime Minister has always followed his instincts. Be it his choice of minority leaders to take over states or the unfavoured demonetisation move, Modi has always followed his gut, giving his party a new and unique view of the political structure everytime.
The new UP government has initiated its work to put the state on the right track, battling media scrutiny all along. On Tuesday, CM Yogi went to see PM Modi. PM Modi said *
"Namaskar! Congratulations Yogi Ji. You have evidently begun to stir up UP's management, taking up your role dutifuly. I am extremely happy, you became Chief Minister. By common content, you are known to be very popular.
Yogi ji, you have been the Member of Parliament for over 5 terms, and are acquainted on how the political system works. However, your candidateship is being vigourously questioned. Many crossing over the line to point their fingers at myself for the choice.
When I was asked by the BJP to go to Gujarat in 2001 as the chief minister, it was all a new chapter in my life. I had never contested any elections, neither had any political experience- nor a job. Following the riots of 2002, in the aftermath of the train compartment burning in Godhra, I was accused of several things, most of them unspeakable. Wild allegations were made against me, both, in India and abroad. I was accused of so many omissions and commissions. Even the central government at the time, the UPA, spent no efforts to nail me down. Several inquiries were arranged for. I was even interviewed by investigators for upto 9 hours once.
There were other organisations, some of them private, who also tried to investigate, my so-called role and responsibility in the riots. To this day, I remain strong on my lack of involvement in the series of unfortunate incidents. Back then, as the CM of Gujarat, I made sure my work spoke on my behalf and can confidently vouch that all the projects and policies of the state government, under my chief ministership, were only committed to development, and fairness to all Gujaratis- irrespective of caste, colour, and religion.
Today, everyone accepts that my Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas is not a mere slogan. See, those in power- be it me, you, or others, it is our duty to discharge our obligations diligently, without bias, a single taint of corruption, and with our sole focus on development for all. You represent the BJP now, I believe you will focus on crucial issues- development, law and order, fairness to the deprived, safety and security to women, and all the vulnerable."
*the conversation is entirely fictional and purely the writer's imagination
