New Delhi: After facing a crushing defeat in Rajasthan’s state assembly polls back in 2018, Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) showcased an impressive fightback in 2023’s assembly elections and is on its way to blow away Congress to return to power in the country’s largest state for one more time.
As of writing this, the saffron party is ahead in 116 out of 199 constituencies while its arch-rival Congress’ (INC) lead has moved down to 70 seats.
With BJP’s reintroduction to Rajasthan’s throne almost confirmed and the final verdict of the state just a few hours away, the public’s curiosity about the potential contenders for the CM’s throne is soaring high.
Amidst this, a potential face for CM’s post has emerged in the form of Mahant Balaknath, who has often portrayed himself as ‘Rajasthan’s Yogi Adityanath.’
Who is Mahant Balaknath?
The 39-year-old political leader is BJP’s MP from Alwar district who is also the eighth mahant of Rohtak’s Mastnath Mutt which is renowned for overseeing and running several hospitals, clinics, and universities. He is currently leading in the Muslim-Meo-dominated constituency of Tijara against INC’s candidate Imran Khan.
आ रही है भाजपा सरकार #BJP4Rajasthan #BJP4Tijara #कमल_चुनेगा_राजस्थान pic.twitter.com/OkpvPOCk5c
— Yogi Balaknath (@MahantBalaknath) November 20, 2023
Despite hailing from a farmer family belonging to Rajasthan’s Behrod village, Balaknath Yogi, who is the sole child of his parents, opted for a simple life of Sanyasa and joined Aashram at the young age of 6.
After living an ascetic life in the ashram for a while, Balak turned into an apostle of saint Mahant Vhandh Nath who not only called him ‘Balak Nath’ but also passed his legacy to him back in 2016.
Balaknath: The Yogi Adityanath of Rajasthan
Just like Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister and BJP’s iconic leader Yogi Adityanath, Balak is often seen adorned in saffron robes while making public appearances.
He has also referred to the UP’s CM as his ‘big brother’ and believes that just like CM Yogi, he is also committed to maintaining transparency in lives while prioritizing people’s development over anything else.
राजस्थान के जनपद अलवर के तिजारा विधान सभा क्षेत्र की जनता-जनार्दन के मध्य… https://t.co/5nprw121VS
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) November 22, 2023
CM Yogi too has often complimented Balak for his simplicity and dedication and was even seen accompanying him during election campaigns and the filing of nominations.
Is Mahant Balaknath the next CM of Rajasthan?
Despite being seen as one of the major contenders for Rajasthan’s throne, Balaknath has always maintained his stance of remaining tight-lipped on the matter.
Post his meeting with the Bhartiya Janta party’s national general secretary Bommarabettu Laxmijanardhana Santhosh, Santosh, the MP was asked about him being one of the potential names for Rajasthan’s CM post to which he replied, “As far as the chief minister post is concerned, our Prime Minister is the face of BJP and we will continue to work under his leadership.”
“The decision on who will be the chief minister will be taken by the party. I am happy as an MP and want to serve the society”, the MP added further.
Now, with BJP standing inches away from forming government in Rajasthan, it will be interesting to see if the party sees Balaknath as its next big face and gets him sworn in as the next CM of the state in the coming days.
