I’m not a full-time politician, says Yogi
YOGI ADITYANATH , Uttar Pradesh chief minister
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday claimed that he was not a full-time politician, and serving the public was the only reason for his foray into politics.
When asked about his chances of becoming India’s future premier, Adityanath said he considered himself fortunate to have been given the responsibility of heading Uttar Pradesh by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah. “After I have successfully carried out my responsibilities, I would like to return to my mutt. I don’t think it’s acceptable to devote my entire life to politics,” he told HT.
It is 9.30 in the morning and its raining heavily. The chief minister’s bungalow in Lucknow’s Kalidas Marg is relatively quiet. After his early morning prayers, the first mahant chief minister, Yogi Adityanath, is ready for a long day ahead as he has to present his government’s first budget on July 11.
In his first interview to a newspaper on completion of 100 days in office, the CM talks on issues such as the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, expansion of Hindu Yuva Vahini, triple talaq and the challenges ahead. Here are the excerpts:
You recently expressed desire to return to your mutt in Gorakhpur? Are you planning an early retirement from politics?
I am not a full-time politician but a ‘sanyasi’ who took the path of politics to serve the masses. But I am not an escapist either. I will continue in politics till I have completed my challenging responsibilities.
The PMO has mediated in resolving Ram Mandir/Babri Mosque dispute in the past. Will you or your office intervene to find an amicable solution to the centuryold dispute?
The matter is sub judice as the case is in the Supreme Court.The state government is not a party to the dispute.
Muslims in the state are feeling insecure. Why?
There is no fear in any community. I am committed to the safety and development of every community and region in the state.
Your comment on the Taj Mahal created a controversy.
The Taj Mahal can be a tourist attraction, an architectural marvel but it can never be treated as a monument of faith.
Muslim women have been meeting you and your government has promised them relief from triple talaq?
The matter is in the Supreme Court and the state government will follow its directives. Many Muslim women have met me and I have urged the women welfare minister to take their opinion and submit it to the court at the earliest.
Why is the government delaying the reopening of slaughterhouses?
The government had closed down illegal slaughterhouses, which did not adhere to the norms laid down by the NGT and the Supreme Court. We have asked the owners to abide by the norms after which they will
What are your plans for expansion of the Hindu Yuva Vahini? Will it merge with the RSS?
The Hindu Yuva Vahini is working in the social and cultural sphere and it will continue to do so. There are no plans for its expansion or merger with the RSS.
You will be facing your budget session amidst financial constraints due to the state’s commitment to loan waiver and seventh pay commission?
We will fulfil our commitment without imposing any new tax. We have to check migration and create jobs. We will introduce technology in the farming sector for enhanced productivity.
The opposition is dubbing probes ordered by your government in the execution of projects by the Akhilesh Yadav government as a political vendetta.
There is no political vendetta behind investigations. There have been financial irregularities.
What about the spurt in cases of upper caste and Dalit clashes?
Only one case of caste clash was reported from Saharanpur. It flared up after the visit of former chief minister Mayawati. It was a case of administrative failure and was contained efficiently.
While you have been asking officials to perform their duty fearlessly, some police officers were humiliated and given marching orders, particularly two women police officers in Gorakhpur and Bulandshahr?
The transfers were done according to the transfer policy and not due to any political pressure. In Gorakhpur, the local MLA and the woman IPS officer had an argument over lathi charge on agitating women demanding the removal of liquor shops. So far as the Bulandshahr case is concerned, it was a routine transfer.
Your 100day achievement?
Development and good governance.
› be regularised.
There is no fear in any community. I am committed to the safety and development of every community and region in the state.