Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, is known for his unique political journey, rising from a monk to a prominent political figure. Unlike many politicians, Adityanath hails from a humble background and maintains strong ties with his family, offering a contrast to the stereotype of "Nepo Netas". On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, it's worth exploring the familial connections of a leader often seen as distinct from traditional political dynasties.
Born Ajay Mohan Singh Bisht on June 5, 1972, in a Garhwali Rajput family in Panchur village, Pauri Garhwal district (now Uttarakhand), Yogi Adityanath comes from a family of seven siblings: four brothers and three sisters. His father, Anand Singh Bisht, was a forest ranger. Adityanath is the second born among his siblings. He left his home around 1990 to join the Ayodhya Ram temple movement. In 1993, he became a disciple of Mahant Avaidyanath, the head priest of the Gorakhnath Math in Gorakhpur, and embraced monastic life. He was then known as Ajay Singh Bisht before becoming a monk.
While Yogi Adityanath embraced a monastic life, renouncing familial ties in the traditional sense, his connection with his family remains. His siblings are engaged in ordinary professions. One of his known sisters is Shashi Devi, who runs a shop. An elder brother, Manvendra Mohan, works in a college. Another brother, Shailendra Mohan, serves as a Subedar in the Indian Army, posted near the China border. Mahendra Mohan, a younger brother, is employed in a school.
Shailendra Mohan, serving as a Subedar in the Garhwal Scouts unit, exemplifies dedication to national service. In 2017, he affirmed that both he and Yogi Adityanath were fulfilling similar duties for the country, with Yogi serving as the UP Chief Minister and himself guarding the border. He had met his elder brother in Delhi after he became the Chief Minister of UP, and his brother's message to him was to serve the country to the best of his ability.
On Raksha Bandhan, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will be wearing rakhis crafted from Gorakhpur soil by women artisans. On Raksha Bandhan, young girls and women tie rakhis on CM Yogi, and celebrate the festival at his residence. Simultaneously, the Uttar Pradesh government continues its tradition of providing free bus travel for women on Raksha Bandhan, a practice initiated by Adityanath in 2017. This year, free travel is available from August 8 to August 10. This initiative has benefited over 1.23 crore women, with the state transport department spending ₹101.42 crore on this initiative so far.
The celebration of Raksha Bandhan also took place at the Kakori Train Action centenary celebrations where CM Adityanath participated by getting rakhis tied by young girls, to whom he gifted sweets and chocolates.
Yogi Adityanath's life and career stand in contrast to the conventional image of political families. His commitment to public service, alongside his siblings' dedication to their respective fields, presents a narrative that diverges from the "Nepo Netas". His government has been providing free bus travel to women on Raksha Bandhan since 2017. This action improves accessibility and shows respect.
