Mar 18, 2017: Belying all speculations and in a surprise move today, BJP elected firebrand Hindutva leader and five times MP from Gorakhpur, Yogi Adityanath as the new Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
Adityanath was elected with two deputies – a first in UP – Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dinesh Sharma. Yogi Adi’s name was unanimously decided in a meeting in presence of central observers of the party, senior party leader and Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu and national general secretary Bhupender Yadav. Swearing-in ceremony will be held tomorrow.
Announcing the decision of Yogi’s election, senior BJP leader and Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said that this was a watershed moment for BJP and it has become a common man’s party. He said, UP message is very clear and it is that country wants to move with Prime Minister Modi. He said that mandate is for development, and against corruption and black money. This mandate is against caste politics, religous politics and vote bank politics, he said, noting that all the five regions in UP and all communities had overwhelmingly voted for the party.
Opposition was quick to criticize the decision and stated the decision indicates Yogi’s appointment as UP CM indicates BJP is pursuing Hindutva Politics.
