During a three-week U.S. tour promoting his book The Monk Who Transformed Uttar Pradesh, the biographer of Yogi Adityanath covered over 8,000 km and interacted with NRIs from various walks of life. From students at Harvard to community leaders across 13 cities, five key questions dominated discussions about Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath.
- What extra ‘edge’ does a monk bring to governance? Harvard students raised this question, wondering how a spiritual leader fits into the political sphere. The author explained that while there is no formula for producing incorruptible leaders, a monk’s values of renunciation and sacrifice could offer integrity and selflessness in governance—qualities lacking in many global democracies.
- How did Yogi Adityanath manage Covid-19 in Uttar Pradesh? At Stanford, scholars wanted insights into Adityanath’s Covid-19 response, which earned him international praise. The biographer highlighted the rural and urban vigilance teams, the mass distribution of medicine kits, and the chief minister’s ‘Team 11’ and ‘Team 9’, as well as endorsements from organizations like the WHO and Niti Ayog for his efforts.
- How does Yogi Adityanath compare to Prime Minister Narendra Modi? In events across the U.S., many asked for comparisons between the two leaders. The author pointed out similarities in their discipline, popularity, and lack of nepotism but noted differences in their rise to power—Modi through the party ranks and Yogi through his spiritual base.
- Will Yogi return as Chief Minister in 2022? NRIs were curious about Yogi’s chances in the 2022 Uttar Pradesh elections. The author explained that the rise of a “beneficiary caste” in UP, consisting of people who benefited from various government schemes, could play a crucial role in securing Yogi’s re-election.
- Will Yogi Adityanath be India’s future Prime Minister? Many NRIs saw Yogi as a potential future prime minister. The author noted that while BJP promotions are based on merit, not lineage, Yogi’s political trajectory could position him as a strong contender in the post-Modi era if he secures a second term as UP’s Chief Minister.
These questions reflect the increasing global interest in Yogi Adityanath’s leadership and his growing influence both in India and among the Indian diaspora.
