'I'm not a successor, would return to Gorakhpur than move to Delhi,' says Yogi Adityanath on his political future

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said his political role follows that of a yogi who is committed to public service. Addressing the India Today Conclave, he reasserted his commitment both to his spiritual path and the duties of chief minister.

"I am not a successor. I am merely a Yogi. And I just wish to work as a Yogi," Adityanath said when questioned regarding his political future in the BJP.

He also described his sense of responsibility to Uttar Pradesh, stating, "Being a servant of Mother India, I have been assigned the task of this state, and I am discharging that duty. But if I do get the chance to come back to Gorakhpur but continue doing my work, I would willingly do that, as it would give me the opportunity to further my Yogi Dharma."

Rejecting reports of taking up a bigger political role at the national level, Adityanath asserted he was more geared to going back to Gorakhpur, which is headquarters to the Gorakhnath Math.

He went on to describe the higher sense of Dharma and pointed out that the Sanyas path need not be perceived as one of personal spiritual realization. "Genuine Dharma inspires two chief goals: firstly, material prosperity and public benefit, and secondly, final goal of liberation, or Moksha," he described.

Taking inspiration from India's religious and cultural heritage, Adityanath referred to the lives of Gautam Buddha and Adi Shankaracharya, who devoted their lives to social service and consolidating the country's spiritual roots. "Lord Buddha spent 36 years after enlightenment spreading his wisdom for the welfare of humanity. Likewise, Adi Shankaracharya went around India, setting up four Peethas and inspiring rulers to preserve and consolidate these traditions," he said.

The Chief Minister also spoke up against criticism attracted by Indian culture, saying, "If the people who so habitually attribute communalism to Hindus had been really familiar with the symbols of India's pluralistic heritage, their minds won't be chock-full of such misconceptions."

He also appealed to all citizens to take pride in the nation's tradition and culture. "It is necessary for all Indians to respect their heritage. Today, I notice even most Leftists citing Swami Vivekananda's name. I would just remind them of what Swami Vivekananda once said: 'Say with pride that we are Hindus.' They should say it confidently, and all Indians should accept it," Adityanath stated.