BJP has won big in Rajasthan with a total of 112 seats. Now, the question that arises in everyone’s mind is: Who will become the next Chief Minister of Rajasthan? Although there are many contenders like Former CM Vasundhara Raje, Rajasthan BJP chief CP Joshi, and Union Minister Gajendra Shekhawat, the one who emerges as the favourite for the chief ministerial candidate is Mahant Balaknath. In Rajasthan’s Tijara seat, he won with 110209, beating Imran Khan of INC who polled 104036.
धन्यवाद तिजारा #ModiKiGuarantee pic.twitter.com/Wi1dshoIEC
— Yogi Balaknath (@MahantBalaknath) December 3, 2023
Who is Mahant Balaknath?
Popularly known as the ‘Yogi of Rajasthan’, Balaknath is a 39-year-old Member of Parliament (MP) from Alwar Lok Sabha constituency.
He was born on April 16, 1984, in a Hindu Yadav family in Kohrana village of Alwar, Rajasthan. His father’s name is Subhash Yadav who, according to reports, served Baba Khetanath in the Baba Khetanath Ashram of Neemrana. This instilled deep devotion in Balaknath from an early age. His mother’s name is Urmila Devi. Nath lived in Matsyendra Maharaj Ashram from 1985-1991. At the age of 6, he moved to a Math in the village Nathawali Theri in Hanumangarh district with Mahant Chandnath.
A Turning Point in Nath’s Life
On July 29, 2016, Balaknath was declared as the eighth successor of Asthal Bohar before UP CM Yogi Adityanath, Brahmalin Mahant Chandnath Yogi, Yogguru Baba Ramdev, and others. After the demise of Mahant Chandnath Yogi in 2017, Balaknath assumed the responsibility of the eighth abbot of Asthal Bohar. It is the largest monastery within the Nath sect. Currently, he is also the Chancellor at Baba Mastnath University, Rohtak, Haryana.
Entry of Balaknath in Politics
Balaknath’s entry into politics is credited to his guru, Mahant Chandnath who was a former MP from Alwar. In succession to his mentor, Balaknath assumed leadership at the Baba Mastnath Matt in Haryana. He gained support from yoga guru Baba Ramdev. His campaign in Tijara involved a committed team from Mahendragarh, highlighting his strong backing.
A day before the results of the assembly elections were out, Balaknath met Organisation General Secretary BL Santosh on December 2 at the BJP headquarters. When asked about the meeting, he said it was a courtesy meeting.
“As far as the post of CM is concerned, our Prime Minister is the face for BJP and we will continue to work under his leadership. The decision on who will be the CM will also be taken by the party. I am happy as an MP and want to serve society and I am very satisfied with it,” said Balaknath to the reporters.
Will Balaknath Be The Next CM of Rajasthan?
The buzz around Mahant Balaknath potentially leading the party in the state grew stronger after Home Minister Amit Shah and Yogi Adityanath campaigned for him. However, Balaknath refuted any special significance. He told reporters, “They campaigned for me just like they campaigned for other candidates of the party.”
The Bottom Line
Many reasons have ignited discussions about Balaknath’s potential as Rajasthan’s next Chief Minister. The unfolding political narrative will reveal whether this ‘Yogi of Rajasthan’ will lead the state or continue his service in his current role.
