1 day ago
Last Updated:April 01, 2025, 16:36 IST
Yogi Adityanath said that he is committed to serve the people of Uttar Pradesh. "I am the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, and the party has placed me here to serve the people of the state," he said.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath (PTI Image)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday dismissed the speculations about his prime ministerial ambitions, saying that politics is not a full-time job for him and he remains a “Yogi" at heart.
In an interview with news agency PTI, the Chief Minister said that he is committed to serve the people of Uttar Pradesh when asked about the growing support for him as a potential prime minister.
“Look, I am the chief minister of the state, the party has put me here for the people of Uttar Pradesh and politics is not a full-time job for me. At present, we are working here but in reality, I am a Yogi. As long as we are here, we are working… there will be a time limit to this too," he said.
VIDEO | EXCLUSIVE: Here’s what Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) said responding to a question regarding a large section of people wanting to see him as the Prime Minister someday:“Look, I am the Chief Minister of the state, the party has put me here for the… pic.twitter.com/kTacrrfdaI
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 1, 2025
While explaining his perspective on the intersection of religion and politics, Yogi Adityanath said, "We limit religion to a confined space and restrict politics to a handful of people, and that is where the problem arises. If politics is driven by self-interest, it will create problems. But if it is for the greater good, it will provide solutions. We have to choose between being part of the problem or the solution, and I believe this is what religion also teaches us."
On whether he considers himself more of a religious figure or a political leader, the BJP leader said that he works as a citizen of the country. “For me, the nation is paramount. If the country is safe, my religion is safe. When religion is secure, the path to welfare automatically opens."
Yogi Dismisses Rift Rumors With BJP Central Leadership
The saffron leader also dismissed the speculations about differences between him and BJP’s central leaders, asserting that he is in the chief minister’s chair because of the party.
“I am in this position because of the party. How can there be any differences?" he questioned, adding that he cannot shut the mouth of anyone stoking speculation about such differences.
“Where does the question of differences come from? After all, I am sitting here because of the party. Can I continue sitting here if I have differences with the central leaders?" Adityanath told the news agency.
VIDEO | In an exclusive interview with PTI, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) responded to a question whether he has any differences with central leaders. Here’s what he said:“Where does the question of differences come from? After all, I am sitting here… pic.twitter.com/KYTi8yrBKe
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 1, 2025
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav has frequently said that the BJP-led governments in Uttar Pradesh and at the Centre are not in agreement.
To a question on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) support for him, he said the Hindutva organisation backs anyone who is “committed to Bharat" and will inspire those who are not to turn to the right path.
Yogi On Bulldozer Action
While speaking about his government’s controversial “bulldozer action," Yogi clarified that it was a necessity rather than an achievement.
“This is not an achievement; it was needed here in Uttar Pradesh, and we acted accordingly," Yogi said.
“Even today, if there is any encroachment, a bulldozer is used to clear it. Bulldozers can both provide infrastructure and remove encroachment, and I believe we have taught people to use them more effectively," he added.
He also defended the ban on offering namaz on public roads, pointing to the disciplined behavior of devotees at the Prayagraj gathering as an example.
“Roads are meant for walking, and those who disagree should learn discipline from Hindus. 66 crore people came to Prayagraj, and there was no looting, arson, molestation, vandalism, or kidnapping. This is discipline, this is religious discipline," the UP CM said.
(With inputs from PTI)
April 01, 2025, 16:36 IST
News politics 'Politics Not My Full-Time Job...': UP CM Yogi Adityanath On Being Potential Prime Minister
