Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Yogi Adityanath seeking re-election touts record on jobs, crime

Yogi Adityanath seeking re-election touts record on jobs, crime

HINDU hardliner Yogi Adityanath, who is seeking re-election as chief minister of India's most populous state, touted his record on fighting crime and putting law and order above religion and caste in a rare interview with Western media.

The 49-year-old monk from prime minister Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been criticised in the past by opposition figures and the Muslim minority for a Hindu-first agenda that has inflamed communal tensions.


His state of Uttar Pradesh (UP) is home to 200 million people including a sizeable Muslim population, and elections starting on Thursday (10) are expected to return him to office for another five years.

Adityanath, wearing the trademark saffron colours of his party, spoke to a small group of reporters on Monday (7) at his heavily guarded government residence in the city of Lucknow, surrounded by images of Hindu gods and a small figurine of Modi.

Asked if he aspired to the top job in Indian politics one day, as some political analysts have suggested, he replied: "I am just a monk who has been entrusted with the task of serving the millions of people living in UP."

He said his record on breaking up criminal gangs was one of the reasons voters should support him and his party in the state ballot.

At least 155 alleged criminals and gangsters were killed by UP police during the first term under Adityanath, which started in 2017, and over 600 members of mafia groups had been arrested, according to state police records. "I have delivered on all promises that I had made in 2017 and have the ability to show that my government has been focused on welfare and progress," he said.

"My government dealt with the issues of corruption ... Law and order has improved markedly and police action during my rule was taken against gangsters and mafia groups without discriminating on the basis of their caste or religion."

A closely-watched poll

Uttar Pradesh is considered a bellwether of Indian politics. The outcome of the state vote will be closely watched for clues ahead of parliamentary elections in 2024.

Polls suggest Modi will lead the BJP to victory for a third consecutive term, despite a stuttering economy, joblessness and questions over his party's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Rising dissatisfaction among unemployed young people and economic stress in rural communities are the main threats to Adityanath's popularity in the short term.

"As a leader, I am aware that the pandemic battered the economy and left millions of the state's migrant workers in cities jobless and forced them to return home to small farms," he said.

"But the unemployment rate in the state in 2017/18 was 18 per cent and today it is just 3 per cent. We have given employment, and we will continue to improve the situation."

A fiery orator, Adityanath has been elected to parliament five times, and some people in his constituency believe he is a reincarnation of a Hindu god.

In his latest declaration of assets to the Election Commission, which candidates must submit and which is publicly available, he said he owned a revolver and a rifle.

Critics portray him as India's most divisive politician who has allowed police to pursue extra-judicial killings, some of which targeted Muslims.

Adityanath denied being anti-Muslim and said police had the authority to go after criminals, but added that they must act within the law.

Some 150 million people are eligible to vote in Uttar Pradesh in a staggered seven-phase ballot.

(Reuters)

More For You

Andrew Tate Sued by Ex-Girlfriend Brianna Stern Over Sexual Assault Allegations

Tate’s attorney, Joseph McBride, has dismissed the lawsuit

Getty

Andrew Tate faces sexual assault lawsuit from ex-girlfriend Brianna Stern

Social media personality Andrew Tate is facing a new lawsuit from his ex-girlfriend, Brianna Stern, who has accused him of sexual assault, battery, and gender violence. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, details allegations of abuse and an incident that allegedly took place at The Beverly Hills Hotel on 11 March 2025.

Allegations in the lawsuit

According to the legal complaint, Stern claims that Tate initially appeared as a "dream come true" but later became emotionally and physically abusive. The lawsuit describes a violent encounter at the hotel, where she alleges Tate physically assaulted and threatened her.

Keep ReadingShow less
Voices of Faith 2025: A journey through spirituality and wisdom

Soumik Datta (R) and Gurdain Singh Rayatt

Voices of Faith 2025: A journey through spirituality and wisdom

Mahesh Liloriya

The inaugural edition of Voices of Faith commenced on Friday at the iconic Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, marking the beginning of an extraordinary three-day festival exploring theological philosophies, interfaith dialogues, and the deeper essence of spirituality through conversations, music, and healing vibes.

Organised by Teamwork Arts, the creators of the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) and JLF London, Voices of Faith is presented by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust, with the support of Tech Mahindra. Eastern Eye and Garavi Gujarat serve as the official media partners of this landmark event. This unique festival seeks to offer insights into navigating the complexities of modern life through the timeless wisdom enshrined in global religious traditions. It focuses on the universal ideals of compassion and interconnectedness that underpin the world’s faiths, fostering dialogue that transcends barriers and deepens mutual understanding.

Keep ReadingShow less
Court reopens Asian child sex offender's deportation case

Home Office successfully challenged a ruling that allowed him to remain in Britain (Photo for representation: iStock)

Court reopens Asian child sex offender's deportation case

A PAKISTANI man convicted of sexually assaulting a child under 13 will face a fresh deportation hearing after the Home Office successfully challenged a ruling that allowed him to remain in Britain, reported The Times.

The offender, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had initially won his case to stay in the UK after claiming he would face "inhuman or degrading treatment" if sent back to Pakistan due to his alcoholism.

Keep ReadingShow less
India launches Operation Brahma to aid quake-hit Myanmar

Rescue teams work to save residents trapped under the rubble of the destroyed Sky Villa Condominium development in Mandalay on March 29, 2025. (Photo by SAI AUNG MAIN/AFP via Getty Images)

India launches Operation Brahma to aid quake-hit Myanmar

INDIA has swiftly responded to the devastating earthquake in Myanmar by launching Operation Brahma, sending emergency relief and rescue teams to the disaster-stricken nation.

A C-130J military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force landed in Yangon on Saturday (29), carrying 15 tonnes of relief supplies including hygiene kits, blankets and food parcels. The aid mission comes after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday (28), killing more than 1,000 people and injuring nearly 2,400 others.

Keep ReadingShow less
Britain’s happiness crisis: UK hits record low in global wellbeing rankings

Pakistan stands at 109th place out of 147 countries

Britain’s happiness crisis: UK hits record low in global wellbeing rankings

THE UK has experienced a significant blow to its national morale, plummeting to 23rd place in the World Happiness Report for 2025 – its lowest ranking ever – despite being the world’s sixth richest nation.

Released to mark the UN’s International Day of Happiness last Thursday (20), the report provided a nuanced exploration of national contentment that extends far beyond economic measurements.

Keep ReadingShow less