(Image source from: x.com/myogiadityanath)
Politics is not his main career; he remains a Yogi at his core, asserted Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, while addressing speculation regarding his potential candidacy for the prime minister's position in the future. During a discussion with PTI, Mr. Adityanath emphasized that his foremost duty is to serve the residents of Uttar Pradesh as assigned by his political party. "I am serving as the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, and my party has appointed me to look after the needs of its people," he stated. When inquiries arose about the increasing support he is receiving as a possible prime ministerial candidate, he responded, "For me, politics is not an all-consuming job. At my core, I identify as a Yogi." Regarding the duration of his political career, he remarked, "There will indeed be a limit to this." When further pressed about whether this implies politics is not his lifelong vocation, he confirmed, "That is precisely my point."
Elaborating on the relationship between religion and politics, Mr. Adityanath remarked, "We tend to restrict religious practices to a narrow domain and confine politics to a select few, which leads to complications. If political motivations stem from self-serving interests, this results in issues. Conversely, when politics aims for the broader good, it can yield solutions. We must decide if we will contribute to the problem or assist in finding solutions, which I believe is a lesson from our religious teachings." He added that when religion is practiced selfishly, it leads to new dilemmas. However, striving for a higher purpose fosters advancements. Mr. Adityanath pointed out that Indian traditions do not equate religion with self-serving interests. "Indian philosophical thought has traditionally dissociated religion from selfish ambitions. Its aim has always been to facilitate worldly progress and spiritual emancipation, both of which ultimately serve the principle of service. Politics serves as a means to promote this spirit of service," he explained.
When asked whether he sees himself as more of a religious leader or a political figure, Mr. Adityanath declared, "I operate as a citizen and do not view myself as anything exceptional. My primary obligations are as a citizen defined by the constitution." He emphasized, "My country is the priority. If the nation is secure, my religion thrives. When religion is protected, paths to welfare naturally emerge." Regarding his legacy a century from now, he stated, "It is not about being remembered by name, but by the contributions one makes. A person's legacy should derive from their actions, not their identity."
