Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has asserted that politics is not his calling, reaffirming that he is still a monk at heart even though he occupies a high political office.
Dispelling rumors regarding his possible candidacy for the post of prime minister in the future, Adityanath played down the possibility, highlighting his commitment to the role he is currently playing.
Speaking to PTI, Adityanath said that his prime responsibility is to serve the people of Uttar Pradesh as guided by his political party. "I am the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, and the party has put me here to serve the people of the state," he said.
Replying to increasing public opinion that sees him as a possible national leader, he said, "Politics is not a full-time job for me. Ultimately, I am a Yogi (monk) at heart."
When queried as to how much longer he wants to stay engaged in politics, Adityanath showed a limit to his political career. "There will be a time frame for this too," he said. Emphasizing the fact that politics is not his permanent profession, he reiterated once again, "Yes, that is what I am saying."
Expressing his views on the interrelation of religion and politics, Adityanath said, "We confine religion to a small space and confine politics to a few people, and that is where the issue comes. If politics is based on self-interest, it will cause issues. But if it is for the welfare of all, it will bring solutions.". We must decide between being part of the solution and the problem, and I feel this is something that religion instructs us on as well.
He continued to say that religion, when sought after for self-interest, can be a cause of strife. But when it is tied to a greater purpose, it can bring about positive change. "When religion is sought after for self-interest, it creates new challenges. But when one commits themselves to a higher purpose, it opens up new avenues for progress," he said.
Pointing towards the principles rooted in Indian philosophy, Adityanath underscored the fact that it has always spoken about selfless service. "The Indian philosophical tradition has never connected religion to selfish interests. Its objectives were twofold: to provide an entry into advancement in life in the worldly plane and for liberation of the spirit. Both for the attainment of this final goal. Politics is only a means to realize this spirit of service," he explained.
When asked to express himself on how he perceives himself—more as a spiritual leader or a political figure—Adityanath presented a modest outlook. "I act like a citizen and do not think of myself as something special. As a citizen, my constitutional responsibilities are first," he replied. "For me, the country is supreme. If the country is secure, then my religion is secure. When religion is safe, then the road to welfare opens by itself."
On whether he hopes to leave behind a legacy one hundred years hence, the chief minister averred legacy must be by work rather than name. "It is not the name but the work that should be remembered. One's identity should be through their work, not their name," he concluded.
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