Paper leaks, jobs, infighting: The big challenges plaguing UP CM Yogi's 2nd term

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has completed two-and-a-half years of his second term. (Courtesy: PTI photo)

As of September 25, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has completed two-and-a-half years of his second term, a period marked by significant challenges and political shifts. During this time, he has navigated several key issues, including a growing unemployment crisis, law and order concerns, internal party dynamics, and electoral setbacks in the Lok Sabha elections.

One of the most pressing issues during Yogi's second term has been unemployment, which has put considerable pressure on his administration. The problem has been worsened by several controversies related to recruitment, particularly delayed recruitment processes and paper leak scandals. The Uttar Pradesh State Service Commission and the education board have seen over 10,000 vacancies remain unresolved in court, further frustrating job seekers. The ongoing delays and mishandling of recruitment processes have led to widespread protests, with the youth increasingly vocal in expressing their dissatisfaction with the government's ability to provide employment opportunities.

The paper leak scandals, in particular, have been a major source of public anger. The most prominent of these involved the police recruitment exams, which was cancelled on February 24 due to reports of a leak. The cancellation disrupted the recruitment process and damaged public trust in the system. This became a big issue during the Lok Sabha election. Fresh exams were held in August 2024, but the disillusionment among job seekers remained, casting a shadow over the conduct of recruitment process.

Law and order has also been a contentious issue throughout Yogi's second term. High-profile criminal incidents, such as the killings in Prayagraj and a heist in a jewellery shop in Sultanpur, have drawn widespread criticism and harmed the state's reputation for safety and governance. Then, there was Hathras incident where 122 people died in a stampede. These incidents have raised questions about the effectiveness of Yogi's leadership in maintaining peace and order. However, in response to growing concerns, the government has taken steps to restore public confidence. The recent encounter of two wanted criminals has been portrayed as a firm demonstration of the state's commitment to law enforcement, aimed at reassuring the public about the government’s control over security.

On the political front, Yogi Adityanath has faced considerable challenges, particularly following the recent Lok Sabha elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) suffered a significant setback, with its seat count in Uttar Pradesh falling from 62 in 2019 to 33 in 2024. This sharp decline has raised concerns about the party's future prospects in the state and cast a shadow over Yogi’s leadership. The electoral losses have prompted internal reflection and raised questions about the direction of the party in Uttar Pradesh.

In response to these challenges, Yogi has taken a more hands-on approach in political affairs, particularly ahead of the upcoming by-elections. He has taken charge of by-elections in 10 constituencies, seeking to strengthen the party's position and rebuild its standing. His active involvement is seen as a crucial move to rally support and address concerns about internal divisions within the BJP.

Another key aspect of Yogi's second term has been managing internal party dynamics, particularly his relationship with figures such as Keshav Maurya. Reports of tensions between Yogi and Maurya had fueled speculation of a rift within the party. However, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) stepped in to mediate and successfully resolved the conflict, helping to maintain unity within the BJP. The resolution of these internal disputes has been viewed as a significant step in consolidating the party’s leadership and ensuring that internal divisions do not weaken its political standing.

As Yogi Adityanath moves forward, he faces the twin challenges of addressing ongoing issues such as unemployment, recruitment delays, and law and order concerns, while simultaneously working to restore public confidence in his leadership. The steps he takes in the coming months to address these issues will be critical in shaping the future of his administration and determining the BJP’s prospects in Uttar Pradesh. His leadership during this crucial phase will play a pivotal role in both the governance of the state and the party's political trajectory.