Yogi Adityanath shows Hindutva and development are synonymous

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By Manisha Inamdar

Sanatan Dharma or Vedic Dharma not only embraces reforms in its long-established systems but epitomizes development wholeheartedly. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who is also the present Mahant or chief priest of the Gorakhnath Math, didn’t hesitate even slightly when he approved the demolition of Gorakhnath temple boundary wall and shops in the temple complex, which was obstructing widening of road from Jungle Kaudia to Mohddipur in Gorakhpur.

The Gorakhnath temple, which is the seat of “Gorakhshdham”, is one of the most revered shrines, where innumerable devotees visit to pay their respect round the year. PWD has already bulldozed a portion of the temple’s boundary wall and a dozen shops adjacent to it for the construction of the 17-km-long four-lane road from Jungle Kaudia to Mohddipur. The massive traffic jam had become a common sight in front of the temple.

As an effective administrator, UP CM, Yogi Adityanath has sent out a strong signal that a religious place cannot be allowed to pose a hurdle in the way of development and public inconvenience, be it road widening or noise pollution by loudspeakers.

Now, the question arises how the earnings of those shopkeepers—whose shops were razed—be regenerated. Gorakhpur Development Authority (GDA) has approved a proposal to construct a ‘shopping complex’ on land adjacent to the temple complex so that their source of livelihood cannot be impacted.

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Thousands of years ago, when the most competent administrator, Shri Ram was crowned as King of Kosala, he had defined duties of a King: “A King is like an ascetic monk, who sacrifices his relationship, family and his worldly pleasure for the wellbeing of his people.” Monk Yogi Adityanath emerging as “staunch development man” is in the larger interest of Uttar Pradesh, as he has already abandoned his worldly pleasure. This is to recall Yogi Adityanath didn’t attend his father’s funeral to choose duty over his personal issues. Thus, Yogi Adityanath displayed a role model of a CM.

Development Story continues in UP as Bundelkhand Expressway and Gorakhpur Link Expressway—estimated to cost Rs 15,000 crore and Rs 4,600 crore respectively—are set to create employment for migrants returning from different part of the country. What can be a more suitable opportunity to absorb returning migrant laborers to boost the local economy!

When a Hindu leader promises development, it is for every citizen, irrespective of caste, creed, and religion. During the UP assembly election campaign, Yogi Adityanath had interpreted that Hindutva and development are synonymous. After he was sworn in as Chief Minister of UP in 2017, he reiterated, “development for all. Be it a hospital or wide and smooth roads, it is open for every citizen to benefit”.

The Monk Chief Minister is poised to change the destiny of UP.