These days, all kinds of political speculations are being made in the politics across the country regarding Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. These discussions and speculations are gaining momentum at such an important time when assembly elections are proposed in Uttar Pradesh in the year 2027. Amidst all these discussions and speculations, now Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath himself has come forward and given his candid answers to all these questions.
In a special interview given to a reputed English newspaper 'The Statesman', CM Yogi was asked direct questions regarding his central roles after the year 2027. Besides, his opinion was also sought on the demand raised by the people for him to become the Prime Minister of his country.
What did CM Yogi say on the post of Prime Minister and his role?
During the interview, when the Chief Minister was asked that there is constant speculation about his bigger role in national politics after the year 2027, and whether he sees himself as a strong contender for the post of future Prime Minister, or will Uttar Pradesh remain his main workplace?
Giving a very clear and concise answer to this question, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that he has always moved forward in public life considering the 'sense of responsibility' and 'nation first' as his main guiding principle. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party have entrusted him with a huge responsibility to serve the great people of Uttar Pradesh. He considers it the greatest privilege of his public life and a huge responsibility. His entire and sole focus is currently on taking Uttar Pradesh to the forefront in the country economically, socially and as a model of best governance.
Apart from this, the Chief Minister also openly answered the question of seat sharing within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the upcoming assembly elections of 2027. He clearly said that the issue of sharing seats with allies depends on the level of the organization and political parties. As Chief Minister, his personal responsibility is to ensure that the welfare schemes of the government reach the last person of the society, every district and every household. Also, every section of the society should develop rapidly and play an active role in the progress of the state.
After Ayodhya, is the focus now on Kashi and Mathura?
In the interview, when CM Yogi was asked a sharp question whether after Ayodhya, his entire focus has now shifted to Kashi and Mathura, and is this step being taken only to promote religious tourism or to divert public attention from basic issues like education and health?
Giving a strong reply to this, the Chief Minister said that the presence of Ayodhya, Mathura and Kashi in Uttar Pradesh is the biggest symbol of our ancient and glorious heritage. This is our cultural strength and it is our biggest responsibility to save and preserve this heritage. He stressed that both 'conservation' and 'development' always go together.
Giving an example, he said that just look at Kashi Vishwanath Dham, which was grandly inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the year 2021. Since then, more than 25 crore devotees have come there for darshan, which has resulted in huge economic activity worth about Rs 1.25 lakh crore. All this money has gone directly into the pockets of sailors, street vendors, shopkeepers, priests, auto drivers, hotel operators and common people running home-stays. Today a similar wonderful situation has developed in Ayodhya and Prayagraj also.
Along with heritage, development is also the priority of the government.
The Chief Minister said with a big claim that after the construction of the grand Ram temple, the number of devotees coming to Ayodhya has increased tremendously. Apart from this, 66 crore people had reached Prayagraj during Mahakumbh. He clarified that all this work has not been done at all by ignoring or dismissing the health and education budgets.
He said that while on one hand this government is preserving its great heritage historically, on the other hand it is also working by keeping development at the forefront. Citing examples, he reminded how the state bravely fought a dreaded disease like encephalitis and defeated it completely. Today, medical education has expanded rapidly in the state and currently a total of 80 medical colleges are successfully functioning within Uttar Pradesh.