India News

Modi and Yogi

Published

9 years ago

March 21, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Why the BJP’s CM choice in UP is akin to riding a tiger into the jungle

By Sujit Bhar

Now that he is chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, will his past catch up with Adityanath Yogi, or will he be speeding far ahead of it? And if it does, what will he then be talking about? These are interesting questions, because the Yogi’s past is murky, to put it mildly.

Bright political futures, however, have always had this special Ganges water-like property. It cleanses one of past sins. It has the power to create “new” men out of spiritual filth. It has happened before and it will happen again.

How colourful is his past? He has hit against Shah Rukh Khan, even comparing him with Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Hafiz Muhammad Saeed. He asked King Khan to go to Pakistan if he was uncomfortable in India. He had said Mother Teresa’s primary aim was to conversion to Christianity. He had announced that if he ever gets a chance he would install statues of Goddess Gauri, Ganesh and Nandi in every mosque. He said if you don’t like yoga, leave the country.

The most horrible was his reaction during the Dadri lynching. To him, a possible case of having eaten beef does justify lynching. And then he went on to say that Muhammad Akhlaq’s (the poor man who was lynched, suspected of having beef) family should be hauled up for the crime of cow slaughter.

Does he have the wherewithal to carry out his dangerous threats? He certainly cannot touch King Khan, but he still has his rowdy brigade called the Hindu Yuva Vahini that he formed even before he became the chief priest of the Gorakhpur Mutt temple. This Vahini earned infamy in October 2005, through the Mau riots, where so-called Hindu forces attacked mafia don-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari for the alleged murderer of BJP state legislature member Krishnanand Rai.

MP TO CM: Governor Ram Naik administers the oath of office and secrecy to the new chief minister

The police charged Yogi’s Vahini and its leaders Ajit Singh Chandel and Sujit Kumar Singh with inciting riots and arson. Ansari was also charged, but, then, Ansari is a known and established criminal. The situation had worsened to such an extent that Mau had to be placed under curfew for nearly a month.

That was not an isolated incident. Between January 26 and 31, 2007, when the Yogi was arrested, his Vahini went on the rampage and even set ablaze two coaches of the Mumbai bound Mumbai-Gorakhpur Godan Express.

The hate profile

The very growth of the Yogi’s profile has been through the propagation of hate. If he has said that he will borrow the motto of Prime Minster Narendra Modi—“sab ka saath, sab ka vikas”—it is only a clever move to ingratiate himself with the top BJP functionaries. His intention would be anything but that.

The issue is wider than this. Modi and his henchman and BJP president Amit Shah (as well as Rajnath Singh) are well aware of the Yogi’s past. There is no secret about it. If despite this the Yogi has been put in charge of a state that is the prime acquisition so far of Modi & Co in 2017, then “sab ka vikas” isn’t what even the Prime Minster is looking at. For all practical purposes, the 20 percent Muslim population of the state can go hang themselves if it serves the BJP’s and the Yogi’s purpose. With absolutely no administrative experience, even at the district level, the Yogi is definitely not the one who can carry forward Modi’s “development” agenda, whatever that is.

Amnesty International (AI) has just called for Yogi to withdraw all his hateful and inflammatory statements he has made, with Aakar Patel, executive director of AI in India, saying that “Adityanath has been one of Uttar Pradesh’s most polarising politicians”. Of course Yogi will not withdraw his comments. That will expose him further, with the wolf out of the sheep’s clothing.

The funding of terror

A big push towards development is what Modi has promised for UP. He had promised such a huge amount for Bihar as well, but when the state turned him down, he forgot about his promises. In UP, Modi has to make good his promises.

WILL HE WALK THE TALK? And will that be entirely beneficial for the state? CM Adityanath Yogi arrives for a meeting with police officers in Lucknow on March 20

Think about the billions that would go through central and state funding channels towards “development” and think of the scams that are waiting to happen in a country that cannot do without scams. More importantly, however, is the danger of such funds sourced out into terrorising sections of society in funding the growth and fattening of outfits such as the Vahini.

Seeds of self-destruction

Absolute power corrupts absolutely. But the story of Adityanath is possibly just beginning. Yogi is one man who will not be willing to rest on his early laurels. He will be incessant, and he will remain ambitious, highly so.

Reminds one of another highly ambitious chief minister, from Gujarat, who worked hard, played hard and also had the blessing of the RSS. He is now Adityanath’s guru, sitting right at the top of the food chain, in Delhi. Narendra Modi may just have planted the seed of a future banyan.

One day, just as Lal Krishna Advani is languishing in the Margdarshak Mandal, there could be one Modi walking into this old-age home. He is still a member of the Mandal, but his is a special position there, with the Mandal itself being ornamental.

We would watch Adityanath Yogi come visiting. That would be the day.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Up Next

Will BJP resolve the triple talaq issue and fulfil its promise to UP voters?

Don't Miss

Post UP elections, Muslim divorcee seeks Modi help

India News

IPS Officer Nupur Prasad gets Medal for Meritorious Service after Sushant Singh Rajput probe

IPS officer Nupur Prasad, who led the CBI investigation into Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, has been selected for the Medal for Meritorious Service this year.

Published

18 hours ago

August 15, 2026

APNLive Desk

IPS officer Nupur Prasad, who led the CBI investigation into actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, has been recognised with the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) this year.

A 2007-batch AGMUT cadre officer, Ms Prasad recently returned to the Delhi Police after completing her tenure with the CBI. She is currently serving as Joint Commissioner of Police in the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), where she oversees investigations involving financial and economic crimes.

The award is part of this year’s recognition for police personnel for distinguished and meritorious service. Such honours recognise contributions in areas including investigation, crime prevention, public service, law and order and administration.

Nupur Prasad’s role in Sushant Singh Rajput case

Ms Prasad came into national focus during the CBI investigation into the death of Sushant Singh Rajput, who was found dead at his Mumbai residence on June 14, 2020.

The case was transferred to the CBI in August 2020 following a complaint by the actor’s family and a legal dispute over jurisdiction.

During her tenure with the agency, Ms Prasad supervised key aspects of the investigation, including the examination of witness statements, forensic evidence and medical records.

In 2025, the CBI filed closure reports, saying its investigation found no evidence of foul play, abetment to suicide or criminal conspiracy in the actor’s death.

Career across Delhi Police, CBI

Ms Prasad has served in several positions during her career, including assignments in the Delhi Police, CBI, Arunachal Pradesh and West Bengal.

Before joining the CBI, she held senior positions in the Delhi Police and became the first Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Shahdara. During her tenure, she worked on establishing the district’s policing framework following its creation.

She also led operations targeting drug networks and illegal gambling activities while focusing on crime-prevention measures.

Later, as DCP of North Delhi, she oversaw security arrangements for major events, including Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort and Delhi University elections.

Community-focused policing initiatives

Beyond investigations, Ms Prasad has been associated with community-focused programmes involving women’s self-defence, youth development, cyber safety and drug de-addiction.

During her CBI tenure, she was also associated with several prominent investigations. Media reports have linked her to cases concerning businessman Vijay Mallya and the AgustaWestland helicopter deal.

Current role in Delhi Police

After completing her assignment with the CBI, Ms Prasad returned to the Delhi Police and took charge as Joint Commissioner of Police in the Economic Offences Wing.

The latest recognition adds to her career spanning investigations, policing and public service across several challenging assignments.

India News

Kharge, Rahul Gandhi skip Independence Day event for 2nd straight year

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi skipped the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort for the second consecutive year.

Published

19 hours ago

August 15, 2026

APNLive Desk

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi skipped the 80th Independence Day celebrations at Delhi’s Red Fort for the second consecutive year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the Independence Day celebrations at the historic venue on Saturday.

The absence of the two senior Congress leaders comes amid strained relations between the ruling party and the Opposition, which further deteriorated during the Monsoon Session of Parliament that concluded on Thursday.

2024 seating controversy

Rahul Gandhi had attended the Independence Day celebrations in 2024 but his seating arrangement triggered a controversy. The Congress leader, who holds the status of a Cabinet minister as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, was seated in the second-last row during the ceremony at the Red Fort.

The Opposition had criticised the seating arrangement, calling it an insult to the people. The Defence Ministry, which organised the event, said the arrangement had been modified to accommodate Olympians at the venue.

According to protocol, the Leader of the Opposition is seated in the front row during ceremonial events.

Opposition-ruling party tensions

Relations between the government and the Opposition remained tense during the Monsoon Session, which ended on Thursday.

The session saw repeated clashes between the two sides, with both the Opposition and the ruling party blaming each other for the low productivity of Parliament.

The session began on July 20, with students marching towards Parliament on the first day. Twelve bills were passed during the session, while detailed discussion took place on only one legislation, concerning paper leaks.

The Congress, along with the Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party, also boycotted the customary tea party hosted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla after the House was adjourned sine die.

India News

PM Modi’s Saptadhara Vision: 7 streams driving India’s next growth phase

PM Modi outlined “Shakti Ki Saptadhara”, identifying seven streams including manufacturing, farming, technology, defence, green energy and soft power.

Published

19 hours ago

August 15, 2026

APNLive Desk

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort on Saturday, outlined “Shakti Ki Saptadhara”, describing seven key streams that he said can drive India’s next phase of growth and strengthen its journey towards self-reliance and development.

The seven streams identified by the Prime Minister are manufacturing, farming, technology, Gatishakti, Raksha Shakti, green and blue economy, and soft power.

Calling on the country to focus on these areas, PM Modi said the seven streams represent India’s strength and can help the country become more self-reliant.

Manufacturing as the engine of growth

PM Modi called manufacturing the first stream of Saptadhara and stressed the need to significantly strengthen the sector.

He said India needs to produce both components and complete products and should emerge as a key destination in global supply chains.

The Prime Minister highlighted cost, quality and scale as important factors for Indian manufacturers to compete globally. He also stressed the importance of attractive packaging and precision in manufacturing.

Farming and food processing

Agriculture and food processing were identified as the second stream.

PM Modi said global markets are increasingly accessible to Indian farmers and called for greater efforts to take agricultural products from farms to international markets.

He highlighted traditional foods, millets, spices, fruits and vegetables, saying these products should be developed into global brands.

Technology and innovation

Technology and innovation form the third stream of Saptadhara, according to PM Modi.

He highlighted areas such as data centres, robotics and emerging technologies, saying India should aim to become a hub for these sectors.

Referring to the country’s experience with UPI and Digital Public Infrastructure, PM Modi said India has already demonstrated its technological capabilities and must now take the next leap in next-generation communication technology.

He also spoke about the goal of Made-in-India 6G reaching across the country.

Gatishakti and faster connectivity

The fourth stream is Gatishakti, with the Prime Minister stressing the importance of speed and connectivity for India’s growth.

PM Modi called for greater emphasis on roads and expressways to support businesses and said the country needs seamless, high-speed connectivity.

He also highlighted high-speed rail connectivity between cities and port-led development as areas requiring greater focus.

Raksha Shakti and self-reliant defence

Defence is the fifth stream of Saptadhara.

PM Modi called for greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing and highlighted the need to develop advanced technologies in the sector.

He particularly stressed the importance of drone and counter-drone technology, saying India needs to invest in these areas.

The Prime Minister also said India should move beyond being a market for defence equipment and work towards becoming a global supplier by developing next-generation defence technologies.

Green and blue economy

Green energy forms the sixth stream of Saptadhara.

PM Modi called for greater innovation in green energy and said India should aim for global leadership in green hydrogen, renewable energy and energy storage while continuing to contribute solutions to global challenges.

He also highlighted opportunities in the Blue Economy, particularly in fisheries, coastal tourism and ocean technology, saying these areas can create new pathways for India’s growth.

Soft power

Soft power is the seventh stream identified by PM Modi.

He cited Yoga, handicrafts, films, animation, gaming, digital content and the creative sector as examples of India’s soft power.

The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s potential to attract global tourists and called for greater focus on the country’s tourism opportunities, including its national parks and other attractions.

With “Shakti Ki Saptadhara”, PM Modi outlined a broad growth framework covering manufacturing and agriculture, emerging technology, connectivity, defence, sustainable energy, the blue economy and India’s cultural and creative influence.