Though firebrand Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Yogi Adityanth, who is now the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh had applauded US President Donald Trump's controversial immigration order that bans travellers from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering America, the mascot of hardline Hindutva seems to share a rapport with Muslims in his bastion of Gorakhpur.
According to The Times of India, Yasin Ansari, a Muslim has supervised all construction work inside Gorakhnath temple over the past 35 years. Interestingly, he also keeps an account of the temple's expenses.
44-year-old Adityanath, who was sworn-in as the 21st Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, has promised to work for all sections of the society without any discrimination, pursuing the agenda of 'sabka sath, sabka vikas'.
“I have very cordial relations with Chhote Maharaj (as Yogi is referred to). Whenever he's here, he calls me for information about work. I move freely in his quarters, from the kitchen to his bedroom, and also have my meals with him,“ Ansari told the daily.
Ansari also said that Adityanth participates in his family marriage functions and also helps them.
“Everyday, devotees from all over the world come here. I've never felt any disrespect or discrimination on the part of Yogiji. He's a real saint,“ said Azizunnisa who has been running a shop for the last 35 years.
Maan Mohammad, a chief caretaker at temple’s ‘gaushala’, says, “Earlier, my father Inayatullah took care of cows. Now I'm doing the work. I wake up at 3 am, milk the cows, and also serve them fodder. Chhote Maharaj takes care of all of us.“
Brief about Yogi Adityanath
A five-term Lok Sabha MP, BJP leader Yogi Adityanath, who was sworn-in as the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, is a fiery Hindutva mascot and has developed a reputation of being controversy's favourite child over a period of time.
He is known for his provocative speeches and mass following across the state, and never shies away from making controversial remarks, be it about Islam or Pakistan.
Born Ajay Singh, the diminutive shaven-headed politician who heads the Gorakhnath Math, is known for his powerful oratory though most of his speeches hinge on divisive lines and has been in the forefront in keeping the communal politics alive in the country.
Adityanath, who is a strong votary of construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya, drove BJP's Hindutva campaign in eastern UP in the just concluded Assembly polls in the politically crucial state where it won three- fourths majority. Adityanath has rebelled against his party on several occasions, but because of the sway he holds over the 'Hindu' voters, the BJP apparently could not ignore his 'leadership qualities'.
He had floated Hindu Yuva Vahini, a right-wing outfit, in 2002. Ever since, the HYV has been largely instrumental in his meteoric rise - from a student leader to five-time MP.
Yogi Adityanath comes from a Rajput family. He completed his Bachelor's Degree in Science from Uttarakhand.
With inputs from agencies
