Full transcript: Yogi Adityanath's exclusive interview with Network18 at Maha Kumbh 2025

CM Yogi highlighted the massive economic impact of the Maha Kumbh Mela on the state, while cautioning against forces attempting to create societal divisions.

In an exclusive interview with Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the unifying power and massive economic impact of the Maha Kumbh Mela on the state, while cautioning against forces attempting to create societal divisions.

Advocating for a "long-term vision," he also endorsed performance-based welfare schemes over the distribution of freebies, arguing that such initiatives would foster self-reliance among citizens and drive sustained growth. Referring to the 'revdi culture,' a term popularised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Uttar Pradesh CM stressed the need to prioritise developmental policies that strengthen public trust in their efforts.

Here's the full interview: 

Rahul Joshi: Yogi ji, thank you very much for giving this exclusive interview to News18. Today we are in the area of Mahakumbh. We have seen all around what an event it is; grand, radiant, and truly magnificent. We would like to know a little from you that how did you do it? What was required to organize such a big event? And what is your message to the world for Kumbh?

Yogi Adityanath: Rahul ji, first of all I would like to welcome you and the team of News18 in the Mahakumbh area. Whatever you have seen, in the entire Prayagraj area and in this Mahakumbh Nagar, this is the form of the vision of the respected Prime Minister. The heritage of India should be honoured. And what should be the responsibility of a government to honour that faith? It is a result of that that the divine and magnificent Kumbh is being celebrated in this form. Today's generation is getting to know the heritage of thousands of years.

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And the generation that has become quite old, that generation will get the honour of giving this ancient pride of India to the next generation. They will feel proud that their heritage is now safe. And will move forward in this magnificent and divine form. This vision is the divine and magnificent form of Sanatan Dharma, which you are highlighting here today, for which our Sanatan Dharma was known. The Rishi Parampara of India, started the Kumbh event in this magnificent and divine way, to promote the spiritual and cultural heritage of India. And this is the land of Prayagraj. In this Triveni of Ma Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, crores and crores of devotees come and bathe in the presence of the revered saints and become a part of virtue.

Rahul Joshi: I have come to the Kumbh before. In 2019, you had organized the magnificent Ardh Kumbh. I had come to that too. But the kind of crowd I am seeing this time, this kind of crowd used to be in the bath of Mauni Amavasya. Nowadays, this kind of crowd is seen almost every day.

Yogi Adityanath: See, this event, is a gathering of India's unity, a gathering that gives a message. And you have said the right thing, that Mauni Amavasya, which is the main bath of Kumbh, Mauni Amavasya used to see this kind of crowd, but now this kind of crowd is seen every day. Last time, in 2019, on the day of Mauni Amavasya, 4 crore devotees had bathed in the Sangam. And this time, on the day of Makar Sankranti, 4 crore devotees had bathed in the Sangam. In the last 10 days, more than 10 crore devotees have bathed in the Sangam. And today, more than 2 crore devotees, have come to this Maha Kumbh area. Since morning, they are participating in the holy bath in the Sangam. And this process will continue till 3rd February. According to me, on the day of Mauni Amavasya, this time, the crowd will be 3 to 5 times more.

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Rahul Joshi: Three to 5 times, and how many people do you think will come here?

Yogi Adityanath: According to me, in this whole process of 45 days in the Maha Kumbh area, people will be equal to the third largest population in the world. That is, after India and China, it will be the largest population in this temporary city. According to me, 40 to 45 crore devotees will come during this time, and through the holy bath, will spread the message of national unity.

Rahul Joshi: Congratulations to you, you have made such a big plan. Where did you bathe with the cabinet on that day?

Yogi Adityanath: See, Rahul ji, right in front of us, we are here at Yamuna Ji. Ganga ji is coming right in front of us. And right in front of us, the Sangam of both is taking place. And there is also a belief about Adrishya Ma Saraswati, that the union of the three is at this place. And here in Sangam, the lakhs of devotees who are bathing, are bathing in this Sangam.

Rahul Joshi: We got to see a very different view of yours. You were laughing and playing, putting water on each other, and the whole cabinet of yours bathed with you. Don't you remember your childhood?

Yogi Adityanath: See, this is a wonderful moment. It cannot be expressed in words. These are unforgettable moments. And the message of unity that the Mahakumbh is giving, the message of that unity, to the people of Uttar Pradesh, and to the people of the country through Uttar Pradesh, we all feel proud of it. Where we are standing here, right in front of us, this whole area is the Sangam area. And right in front of us, there is a fort. In the fort, the Akshayvat is also present. It can be seen right in front of us. And the Akshayvat Corridor has been built for the first time. Where lakhs of devotees go every day for darshan. In this very fort, there is also the cave of Ma Saraswati. And you can see Ma Saraswati there visually. And in that, the Patalpuri Corridor is also built. These three corridors are built inside the fort. The fourth corridor is built of Lord Hanuman's temple.

Rahul Joshi: Yes, Lord Hanuman is lying down.

Yogi Adityanath: Yes, he is lying down. He is famous as Lord Hanuman. And his darshan can be done there.

Rahul Joshi: I am fortunate that I am interviewing you in Prayagraj this time. I grew up here. So, Modi ji came to Banaras and built the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor. Kashi came in a world map. Similarly, the Ram Mandir was built in Ayodhya last time. It was inaugurated on 22nd January. Today, Prayagraj, everyone is also talking about this Mahakumbh all over the world. So, do you think this will also become a big centre of spiritual tourism in the future?

Yogi Adityanath: See, unfortunately, the previous governments did not understand this power of India. This heritage of India, which was present in India in spiritual tourism, which was its potential, has been seen by Prime Minister Modi. And that is why, under the leadership of Modi ji, the construction of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Kashi, the Prayagraj Kumbh in 2019, the construction of Lord Ram's magnificent and divine temple on the birthplace of Lord Ram in Ayodhya, a new Ayodhya's darshan takes place in Ayodhya, the construction of the magnificent and divine dham and corridor of Ma Vindvasini in Vindvasini Dham, the construction of Kedarnath Dham in Kedarpuri in Uttarakhand, the construction of Mahalok in Mahakaal, all these millions of devotees are attracted towards themselves, and the power of India's spiritual tourism is being felt by the world. And I have no hesitation in saying that, 8-10 years ago, Uttar Pradesh was at the 3rd position in terms of tourism. Today, Uttar Pradesh is at the 1st position due to its spiritual power. And not only has it given people new opportunities, but it has also played a big role in the economic union. It has also given a new strength to the economy here.

Rahul Joshi: I have heard that Rs. 7500 crores have been spent in organizing all this. How much economic activity has increased in this area in these 40-45 days?

Yogi Adityanath: Look, the Rs. 7500 crores that have been spent are not only in organizing, but also in connecting the city to the highways, railway stations, airports, and in the overall development of the city, including roads, over bridges, underpasses, flyovers, etc. And if you look at all this together, in the next 45 days, the economy of Uttar Pradesh will see a growth of at least Rs. 2 lakh crores through this. So, this is going to give a new economy to Uttar Pradesh and India, to the world. So when you recognize your own strength, growth will continue to progress in the same way.

Rahul Joshi: Rs. 2 lakh crores is equivalent to 10% of the GDP of UP.

Yogi Adityanath: Yes, 10% of the GDP of UP is going to be contributed by Mahakumbh.

Rahul Joshi: This is a very big thing. You have told us about its vision. Let's continue the discussion. Before we continue the discussion, we would like to show our viewers what happened in the Kumbh Mela. How did people react? We have spoken to people from all over the country. We have also spoken to some global people. So, we will show it on our screen. Let's go.

Male Tourist 1: I am filled with inner peace. I have found peace.

Female Tourist 1: Grand, radiant, and truly enjoying. Modiji and Yogi have done a very good job.

Female Tourist 2: This is a place that is filled with blessings, unlike any other on the entire planet.

Male Tourist 2: I thoroughly enjoyed taking a dip in Mother Ganga.

Male Tourist 3: We have attained all the virtues.

Male Tourist 4: Bringing hundreds of millions of people together is a massive work to do.

Female Tourist 3: My gratitude to our Prime Minister, Modiji, together with Yogi Ji, what he has done.

Female Tourist 4: It's unbelievable. We didn't expect it to have such a huge experience.

Male Tourist 5: The administration of Prayagraj is very well-organized.

Male Tourist 6: Everything you ask about is explained in the right way.

Male Tourist 7: If you had asked me about everything, I would have told you everything.

Female Tourist 5: I have never seen such a beautiful view.

Female Tourist 6: I feel very pure.

Female Tourist 7: I feel very good to be in the Kumbh Mela for the first time.

Male Tourist 8: I would like to thank the Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath Maharaj.

Female Tourist 8: It is a confluence of faith, and the entire crowd is overflowing with devotion.

Female Tourist 9: We can see with our eyes the reality of sadhana, of renunciation.

Rahul Joshi: Yogi Ji, we were talking about the Mahakumbh Mela. I saw something else this time. Yesterday, I was coming from Bombay to Prayagraj. There were about 90 people from the Young Presidents' Organisation on the flight. They are businessmen with their wives and children. They all have the same faith. They all want to take a dip in Sangam. I have seen the youth. There is a lot of global attraction. There has always been global attraction, but this year, it is more. How did all this become possible? How did you outreach for all this?

Yogi Adityanath: The biggest thing in the Mahakumbh Mela is that the young generation of India is in a very large number. The example of Kumbh Mela that the previous governments had made, was that Kumbh Mela was an organisation of the elderly. They did not provide any facilities for it. They made Kumbh Mela a place of filth, filth, and impoverishment. You must have seen it for the first time in 2019 and in 2025. This is the result of Prime Minister Modi's vision that the Kumbh Mela should be connected to cleanliness, good facilities, and security. If an organisation is able to organise itself in such a powerful way, then naturally, when there is a confluence of faith and modernity, the youth will be attracted to it.

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Every person who is connected to social life, whether he is an industrialist, a technocrat, a doctor, or any other person who has a progressive mindset, will be connected to it. The vision that you have seen, that you saw the young CEOs coming here by flight yesterday, you must have felt it in your reporting on 13th and 14th, that not only the people of India, but all the people who came from all over the world, were not only Hindus, were not only Sanatan Dharmavalams, but were also non-Hindus. Those who joined the Sangha, were praised for being great. All these things, that how can we organise ourselves in a powerful and divine way, this is a vision of that.

Rahul Joshi: Yogi Ji, your Guru, Mahant Avaidyanath Ji, was very connected to the movement of Ram Janmabhoomi. Last year, Ram Mandir was inaugurated. For you, this year's Kumbh, must have been an emotional moment, seeing all this.

Yogi Adityanath: Look, it is my good fortune, that on the month of January 2024, after waiting for 500 years, Ram Mandir has come in the form of a powerful and divine Ram Mandir to all of us. After 500 years, Ram Leela was inaugurated in its divine form. And I, as a servant, was present there, to serve the devotees coming from all over the world. The Kumbh of 2019, and the Kumbh of 2025, we are also getting the opportunity to organise. So, naturally, we are fortunate. Yes, the Kumbh of 2013 was also there. At that time, my Pujya Gurudev was also here. Today, he is not in this world. But, in a subtle way, I must be getting his blessings. All those divine elements, which were there in 2013, are not there today. But, seeing all this today, they must be feeling content. Their blessings must be reaching to this event. But, the new story of success, which is being written in Uttar Pradesh today, is possible because of the guidance of the respected Prime Minister, and his visionary leadership.

Rahul Joshi: Modi Ji has a very different way of thinking about Sanatana Dharma. If you want to give a message to the world about Sanatana Dharma, through the Mahakumbh, what would you say?

Yogi Adityanath: See, the Mahakumbh has only one message. And, the Mahakumbh, which you must be seeing, neither caste nor creed, nor any community, nor any difference of gender, all people are able to bathe in one Sangam. There is no discrimination with anyone. No one knows who is bathing next to whom. So, the Mahakumbh, has only one message, that this country will remain unbroken by unity. The message of unity should go to the Mahakumbh. The message of this Mahakumbh should go. Respected saints and all the devotees or tourists who come here will carry the message of unity, and if Sanatana Dharma becomes strong, then India will be strong.

Rahul Joshi: Mahant Avaidyanath Ji also used to say, that the Ram Janam Bhoomi movement, is a movement to unite Hindus. The Mandal Commission, divided Hindus into castes. He believed, that this is uniting them. Now, as you have organized such a big event, the leaders of the opposition party are saying, that this is the political reason for this religious event. How do you see this?

Yogi Adityanath: Look, I believe, and we have always believed, the Gorakh Peeth has always believed, that the oppressed people should get their rights. Whether they are Dalits, or oppressed, or people of backward caste, or people of poor social class, fortunately, in independent India, all of them are getting their rights. But, for their political selfishness, if the society is divided, in the name of casteism, in the name of regionalism, in the name of language, in the name of casteism, this is not less than treason. This is a treason in itself. In the name of casteism, in the name of regionalism and language, you will divide the society, and by gaining power, you will increase the family system. India is not ready to accept this. This should not be accepted. This will weaken the country. We do not want to divide. We want to remain united, and make India strong. India's strength lies in the strength of Sanatana Dharma, and it is the strength of every Indian.

Rahul Joshi: Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav Ji, leaders of the opposition, talk about the caste census. So, what is your opinion? Are you in favour of the caste census, or do you consider it a threat?

Yogi Adityanath: I believe that every poor, every oppressed, every Dalit, every person of backward caste, every poor person, should be given their rights, and this is the responsibility of any constitutional government. It is the good fortune of the country, that in the last decade, for the first time in independent India, every Dalit, every oppressed, every poor person, every person of backward caste, got their rights under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. Four crore poor people get a house, 12 crore poor people get toilets, 10 crore poor people get LPG connections, 4 crore poor people will get free electricity, 80 crore people will get free ration, this has been happening for the last five years. This is the first time this has happened. Plans are tailored for every section of society. Twelve crore farmers are getting the benefits of the Kisan Samman Nidhi. No caste has been seen, no discrimination has been done. Only when, under the leadership of Modi Ji, the welfare scheme is moving forward with everyone's support and with the intention of everyone's development, then the distributors trying to distribute on the basis of caste, and India and the followers of Sanatana Dharma need to be very cautious.

Rahul Joshi: Yogi Ji, despite this, in the 2024 elections, you gave the slogan of 400 crosses, NDA gave the slogan of 400 cross, but the opposition said about changing the constitution, it got stuck to some extent. And if you take in UP, there were hopes that more figures would come than in 2019, but you got stuck to 35 seats. What do you think happened? Where did you make a mistake?

Yogi Adityanath: Look, the INDIA alliance, on the basis of foreign money, they have propagated so much, some have propagated changing the constitution, some have propagated ending the reservation, some have propagated something else. They have propagated all kinds of things. They have made social media platforms and digital media a medium. Whatever they propagated at that time, the people realized it after the elections. And today, you can see, the people are giving them answers again. The Haryana elections that took place there, even though they got 50% seats in the Lok Sabha elections, BJP got 50%. But after the Lok Sabha elections, in the Vidhan Sabha elections, the BJP succeeded in making a government with a full majority. In Maharashtra, they had succeeded at that time, but in the Vidhan Sabha elections, the BJP again with a full majority succeeded in making a government of the NDA. In Uttar Pradesh, there were nine by-elections. Out of the nice, BJP got seven and INDIA alliance was limited to only 2. Similarly, such results have been seen in other areas as well. That is why, their lies have been exposed today. The people have understood their reality. And they also know that the people who took the constitution are the same people who insulted Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, who did the work to strangle the constitution, they are the same people for their political selfishness. Now, for many days, they will not be able to survive in the politics of India.

Rahul Joshi: Yogi ji, if we move forward, then in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh elections what issues will you discuss with the people?

Yogi Adityanath: Our issues are very clear. We have to move forward heritage and development. We have to move forward poor welfare schemes. We have to provide a better environment of security. With everyone's support and the spirit of development, the BJP and NDA will move forward in the 2027 elections and with a full majority our government will again be formed in UP.

Rahul Joshi: What other issues will you discuss apart from the law and order issues?

Yogi Adityanath: As I said, if there is heritage, then there is development. There is a welfare scheme. The government is working while giving priority to the interests of every village, every poor person, every farmer, every young man, and every woman.

Rahul Joshi: How important will your allies in Uttar Pradesh be?  I saw in the press conference that you called everyone forward.

Yogi Adityanath: Everyone is a part of the cabinet, so everyone in the ministerial committee takes decisions together. Everyone came here. When the issue of photography came up we said that the leaders of our allied parties should also come forward.

Rahul Joshi: It should be deemed that everyone is together.

Yogi Adityanath: Everyone is together and in future also, everyone will be together.

Rahul Joshi: You spoke about a great victory in Haryana and Maharashtra. It was a big comeback and a very convincing victory in both places. Maharashtra was a big victory. You gave a slogan in those days that if you divide, you will cut. I wanted to know where did this slogan come from? How did you think of it? Please explain its meaning.

Yogi Adityanath: During the Haryana elections, I had the opportunity to go to Mathura. I was in Mathura at night. In the morning, I had the opportunity to inaugurate the statue of Durgadas Rathore in Agra. Durgadas Rathore was a very valiant commander of Jodhpur king during the medieval period. Naturally, it is said about Durgadas Rathore that when King Jaswant Singh of Jodhpur could not be defeated by Aurangzeb, he made an agreement with Aurangzeb. In the agreement, you attacked the Afghans and I will help you from behind. When King Jaswant Singh set out to attack the Afghans, Aurangzeb treacherously attacked from behind, and King Jaswant Singh was martyred by Aurangzeb. His son Ajit Singh was with him, Rani was with him. When Durgadas Rathore saw that after killing the king, he wanted to kill the prince, he took the prince and Rani and kept them in an ashram and then took them away from there.

When prince Ajit Singh grew up, he made him the king of Jodhpur. At the age of 91, Durgadas Rathore stayed in Jodhpur and then he took Sanyas and went to Ujjain. There he died. People belonging to the Rathore Talyee caste in Agra wanted to install his statue, but it was being opposed by some communities. We called both the communities and discussed. An agreement was reached and a statue was erected. I had said that if you divide, you will be divided. If you are one, you will be good. I am grateful to the Prime Minister who has given the message of uniting the entire country with the message of uniting the country with unity in this world. And the same message is for Mahakumbh. If the country is united, the country will be secure, the Sanatan Dharma will be secure. If it is secure, then every caste, every religion, every community, every sect will be secure. And if it is safe, then prosperity will come on its own.

Rahul Joshi: I wanted to understand one thing from you. In your first term, you solved the law and order problem. The people have given you a big victory. What are your big achievements in this term?

Yogi Adityanath: Look, we have done what we said. What was said earlier, that if Modi is there, it is possible. So, under the leadership of Modi ji, with his guidance and blessings, the BJP has done what it told. And I feel that when a person's conduct and thinking are in harmony, then he gets the blessing of the people. The people need a safe environment. The youth need employment. The farmers need opportunities to advance their prosperity. Every sister and daughter need security. Every businessman should be able to do business in a safe environment. The double-engine government in Uttar Pradesh is doing this. The BJP will benefit from this.

Rahul Joshi: I have a personal question. People saw you as an administrator in your first term. You were a strict administrator. You did what you told. How did you evolve as an administrator from the first term to the second term?

Yogi Adityanath: Look, I am not an administrator. I am just an ordinary citizen. I am just an ordinary sadhu. I follow the tradition of our sadhus, the tradition of our saints and yogis. Yes, I strictly follow it myself. So, when it applies to me, then naturally, Uttar Pradesh benefits from it. If I don't apply it myself, then naturally, Uttar Pradesh will be deprived of all this. But if I apply it strictly to myself, then naturally, Uttar Pradesh benefits from it.

Rahul Joshi: Yogi ji, you just spoke about the victory in Haryana and Maharashtra. Now, the election is in Delhi. You have stepped into the field. You spoke about Hindutva. You tried to unite the society. What do you think this time? Will the BJP be able to form the government after 26 years in Delhi?

Yogi Adityanath: You are in Prayagraj, right?

Rahul Joshi: Yes.

Yogi Adityanath: In Prayagraj, there is a union between Ma Ganga, Ma Yamuna and Ma Saraswati. Look at the difference between the Yamuna of this place and the Yamuna of Delhi. In the Yamuna of this place, you can drink and also take a bath. Is this possible in Delhi? And I want to say that in Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party has betrayed the country. It has betrayed the people of Delhi. It has betrayed the people of the capital. You can see it there. They have turned the Yamuna into a dirty drain. The bad result of this is that the people of Delhi are suffering. Our people of Mathura, Vrindavan and Agra are also suffering. Later, when it comes forward, the pure water of Chambal, Kain, Betwa and other rivers is merged in the Yamuna. So, such a divine river comes here. And then the treatment plants that we have planted here, the result of that is that such a pure and pure river is seen here, Ganga and Yamuna. Otherwise, the kind of situation they have created, it is not just a river, they have betrayed the Indian culture in the same way. This is the betrayal of Indian culture.

Rahul Joshi: Mr. Kejriwal has said that he wants to send his education minister here so that he can give some tips to the Yogi government on how to make changes in education.

Yogi Adityanath: If his education minister comes to UP, he will learn something from UP. Remember, UP's education budget is as much as Delhi's budget. Their budget is 78,000 crores and UP's education budget is only as much as 1 lakh crores. The total budget of Delhi is 78,000 to 80,000 crores and UP's budget is as much as 1 lakh to 1,20,000 crores only for education. So, what will they teach us by coming here? They will definitely learn from here and leave. And I would like, as I did along with my cabinet took a dip in the scared waters of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, they should also go and have a dip.

Rahul Joshi: Yogi Ji, Mr. Kejriwal started a freebies politics a long time ago. He gave free electricity, free water, etc. So, what do you think, will this freebies politics win or will your Hindutva win?

Yogi Adityanath: Look, Hindutva is not a political issue for us. We are providing free security and this is the right of every citizen. We are providing welfare schemes to those who need it. The government of double engine is providing it. But the distribution of charity, because this treasure belongs to the people of the state, it is not mine, it is not my personal property. I have no right to loot it. The right of the people is their right and they should have it. We are trying to make them have it.

Rahul Joshi: Yogi ji, I have a bigger question than this. Do you worry about this freebie culture? There have been many elections in the last few years and now only freebies are being given. And this has happened in your party's states as well, like Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka. Freebies are being given everywhere and the results are positive. In Maharashtra, the Lalki Behna scheme is implemented. Do you worry about this? You want to make UP a 1 trillion dollar economy. This freebie culture will slow down growth. There will be less money in infrastructure. What is your opinion on this?

Yogi Adityanath: Look, I believe that we have to work with a long-term vision. It has to be performance-based. It is not wrong to implement the welfare scheme. But if it is performance-based, then people will believe in their actions. And no one can reach the peak of prosperity through inaction. Remember, the crisis that has come into the world today, during the crisis, during the pandemic like Corona, India is standing alone in the world as an economy. The world is in turmoil. The reason is that India has given importance to action. It has given the message of action. We have to maintain that action-based attitude. Otherwise, it won't take long to create a ruckus.

Rahul Joshi: So, you are saying that the welfare schemes that the Indian government is implementing will continue. And that is not a freebie culture.

Yogi Adityanath: Look, that is a welfare scheme. It has to be based on a person's performance. It has to be performance-based. And I believe that everyone will benefit from it. The public and the country will benefit from it.

Rahul Joshi: I would like to ask a different question on Sambhal. Here, Mohan Bhagwat Ji has said that we should not look for a temple under every mosque. How do you see this in terms of Sambhal?

Yogi Adityanath: Look, it was not related to Sambhal. As you must have seen, the Organiser and the Panchjanya have said this very clearly. There is a journey from Somnath to Sambhal to find the truth. What our respected Sarasaṅghasan̄cālaka Ji has said is a message to those people who are trying to forcefully raise every issue to gain cheap popularity. We have to look for issues that have truth in them. Issues that can be raised through conversation in an atmosphere of goodwill. Inevitably, it is not right to create a situation of controversy in every matter. But yes, there is no need to step back from the truth that is the truth.

Rahul Joshi: So, your work will continue in Sambhal and Mathura?

Yogi Adityanath: The truth should be revealed in Sambhal. The truth of Mathura and Kashi should also be revealed to everyone.

Rahul Joshi: The opposition repeatedly says that Yogi Ji targets Muslims at all times. We have already discussed this. Earlier it was Azam Khan, now it is the Barkh family. Earlier it was the case of the goat thief, now it is the case of electricity theft. What is your response to this?

Yogi Adityanath: Look, we do not target anyone. And there is no need for it. But those who think that it is their birthright to destroy the harmony of the society, those who believe that it is their right to spread imperialism, to bring them under the law, it is the government's ethical duty and the government is fulfilling its duty.

Rahul Joshi: There are lakhs of Bangladeshis in India today. You have raised this issue in your Delhi issue as well. Because of that riots are taking place. So, by making this Aadhaar card, they are also getting the benefit of the welfare schemes here. So, what is the solution to this problem?

Yogi Adityanath: Look, the thing that is a threat to security, that is going to change the religious demography, and knowing that this was the reason for the partition of the country, we have to be careful and cautious about it. The example of Delhi is in front of you. There is an Okhla industrial city in Delhi. In the last 10 years, no industry has been able to start by Delhi's Aam Aadmi party government. In the same way, New Okhla is our Noida, the biggest investment destination of the country. Aam Adami Party have invested in by establishing Bangladeshi illegal migrants and Rohingyas. We have invested there by bringing modern technology.

Tata Centre is being built, Rawatik Centre is being built, new AI centres are being established, lakhs of young people are getting employment opportunities from there. This is the difference between the two. That’s a difference between UP double-engine government and government of Delhi’s Aam Adami Party. For their political selfishness, they are making voters to Bangladeshi illegal migrants. They are discouraging investment. They are not able to provide employment. They have completely destroyed the development schemes. But on the other hand, there is the Uttar Pradesh government. In Uttar Pradesh, we have succeeded in establishing UP as the biggest investment destination. We have succeeded in establishing UP as the biggest hub of spiritual tourism in the country. We have succeeded in providing employment to the youth of UP. We have succeeded in building an infrastructure model in UP.

Rahul Joshi: Mr. Yogi, you have called the Waqf Board a mafia board. You have said that we will take back every inch of the government land they have taken. How will this happen?

Yogi Adityanath: Look, it has happened and it is happening. I had to say this when for Ayodhya, for Kasi, for Prayagraj, for Sambhal, for every place, they started claiming that this is the land of the Waqf. Then I started examining the old Rajwas records. And after examining the Rajwas record, the results of the things that came out are in front of us. We have succeeded in seeing that their claims were wrong. That is why we said that don't make the Waqf Board a mafia board. Otherwise, the mafia task force of UP will start taking action on this. We have made arrangements in the UP Waqf Board's regulations that we will take out the old Rajwas records and we will act according to the records in the Rajwas records. All their claims are proving to be wrong.

Rahul Joshi: Will the Uniform Civil Code be implemented in UP and when?

Yogi Adityanath: Do you think that the Uniform Civil Code is not there because of the way UP works?

Rahul Joshi: You are saying that it has already been implemented.

Yogi Adityanath: It has already been implemented.

Rahul Joshi: In the last term of your government, you got the Bulldozer Baba tag. People were hoping that when justice is not available, they will get justice in this way. And they called you Bulldozer Baba. Now the guidelines of the Supreme Court have come, which are applicable nationwide. So the opposition is saying that Bulldozer Terror and Jungle Raj will end in UP. So what will Bulldozer Baba do?

Yogi Adityanath: In UP, Jungle Raj was in the previous governments. In UP, after 2017, the Ram Raj has come. Everyone should be protected. Everyone should be respected. Everyone should be associated with welfare schemes. Everyone should be given their rights. This has happened in UP. After the order of the Supreme Court, our work has become easier. And during the hearing, you must have seen that Uttar Pradesh was the only state that followed the guidelines of the Supreme Court and moved forward with its proceedings. And even today, you must be seeing that our proceedings are moving forward in accordance with the law and following the procedure against the wrong elements.

Rahul Joshi: Yogi ji, you have decided to make UP a 1 trillion dollar economy. How long will this be possible? Someone says 2027, you said 2030.

Yogi Adityanath: We have decided on a timeline for 2029. By 2029, UP will be a 1 trillion dollar economy. And work plans have been made for it. It is being implemented properly. During the last 7-8 years, despite the 3-3.5 years of COVID pandemic, we have succeeded in doubling our economy. And I believe that we will achieve this in 2029.

Rahul Joshi: Yogi ji, at one time, Mayawati ji used to say that Uttar Pradesh is a very big state. 80 MPs of the Lok Sabha go from here. After the delimitation exercise, if there are 850 seats, there will be 150 seats in UP. So, what is your opinion? Mayawati ji used to say that Uttar Pradesh should be divided into 4 parts. How do you see this?

Yogi Adityanath: UP is UP in itself. This is its potential. And I feel that UP should be united and achieve its goals. And I feel that this has its strength, its identity and its respect.

Rahul Joshi: I will try to ask you a few personal questions. You were doing B.Sc. from Garhwal University in Mathematics. After that, you were doing M.Sc. After that, you suddenly took Sanyas. How did this happen? Who influenced you?

Yogi Adityanath: See, it is the beginning of previous births. This is neither in my control nor in your control. Whatever the Creator has written, it will happen. And the same has happened with me.

Rahul Joshi: So, how did you get attracted to this?

Yogi Adityanath: See, I have always been inclined to give practical information. And I went to the presence of revered saints and saw different sects and communities. Later, when I felt that there is a rich community associated with Kriyatmak Yoga, a Nath community, I came to the presence of Mahant Avaidyanath ji Maharaj and took initiation. And then I took initiation with this entire tradition.

Rahul Joshi: Your Guru's Guru, Digvijay Nath ji was also in Lok Sabha. He was also an MP. Mahant Avaidyanath ji was also in politics. You became an MP at the age of 26. And today, you are the Chief Minister of the largest state. How do you see religion and politics? Is there any contradiction in this?

Yogi Adityanath: See, there is no contradiction. If you want to believe, Ganga is a scared river, otherwise is like a normal flowing water. If you believe, then religion is a way of life, which is a process of morality, duty and ethical values, in which the life of the person and the society has been sustained. Can anyone be free from political duty? Can anyone be free from moral values? Can anyone be free from morality and ethical values? If politics follows these principles, then it will achieve prosperity. If it does not follow these principles, then it will fall.

Rahul Joshi: Yogi ji, when you came to Gorakhpur, when you were just 21 years old, Gorakhpur was in the grip of the mafia at that time. There were 2-3 big mafia dons. There were murders every day. Did you learn anything from Gorakhpur?

Yogi Adityanath: See, when I came to Gorakhpur in 1992-1993, the situation was really very bad. There were 3-4 big mafia dons. Their goons were also there. Every businessman, every industrialist in Gorakhpur used to pay a goon tax. Every doctor used to pay a goon tax. And for the next 2-3 years, I also experienced this. How the system was completely paralyzed. No government could do anything in front of the mafia. But after 1996, when I felt that sitting quietly was not going to work, because no one speaks in front of them, all the machinery is silent in front of them, I had to get into a fight with them. I used to speak, I used to fight. There used to be opposition. And before becoming an MP, we had almost controlled the mafia state of Gorakhpur. We met with every businessman, every doctor, every industrialist. I said, no goon will pay tax. And don't pay tax to these goons. If you pay tax, you will suffer for yourself. And I am happy that every businessman in Gorakhpur believed me. Today, there is complete peace and security there. And in the whole state, when I became the Chief Minister, I was successful in implementing it.

Rahul Joshi: It was a very dangerous job. It was not normal to fight with them at that time.

Yogi Adityanath: Yes, because they were all part of power. The mafia had the protection of power. But today, I feel that the struggle has become foundation to fight the mafia of the state.

Rahul Joshi: Mr. Yogi, you left your family at a very young age. People don't know much about your family. What we know a little is that you have a sister who runs a tea stall. Your brother is a Subedar. Maybe I am wrong. Your brother is a journalist. One of them works in Gorakhnath College. You grew up in such an environment. Today, you are the Chief Minister of the state. Do you get to talk to them? Do you get to meet them? Do you miss them?

Yogi Adityanath: Look, it is my good fortune that my family, the members of my family, have never interfered in my religious or political work. They don't even come to me. I don't think any of them have seen Gorakhnath Math. I don't think they have seen it yet.

Rahul Joshi: Are they coming in Kumbh?

Yogi Adityanath: The whole family that is coming here is like a family to me. I enjoy serving them. I believe that they will be rewarded for their good deeds.

Rahul Joshi: One last question. After coming into politics, people become greedy for power. They start thinking about their families. They start thinking about their children. How does a Yogi stay away from this greed for power? If you were not the Chief Minister today, what would Yogi Adityanath be doing?

Yogi Adityanath: I am doing my work as a Yogi and same would have done. My mission is the same. To strengthen the Sanatan Dharma. To work for the strength of India. My whole life is dedicated to the Sanatan Dharma and Bharat Mata. In this, there is the welfare of the country and the society.

Rahul Joshi: Yogi ji, thank you very much. I myself grew up in Prayagraj. It is my good fortune that for the first time in Prayagraj, I am interviewing you on the auspicious occasion of Mahakumbh. I thank you on behalf of our viewers.

Yogi Adityanath: Rahul ji, you have come here. I welcome you and your entire team to Mahakumbh Nagar. And this beautiful scene that you are seeing in front of you, is of Triveni. It is of Sangam. I think that the millions of viewers of News18, will get an opportunity to see this beautiful scene and experience it. Thank you very much.

Rahul Joshi: Thank you.