There has always been a raging debate on dynastic hegemony and nepotism in Indian politics. In fact, various leaders of ruling party BJP, and PM Modi have made this an issue.
Once Prime Minister Narendra Modi targetted Congress stating the party was on its deathbed as nepotism has overshadowed its nationalism. “Congress nationalism has been suppressed by nepotism. Due to dynasticism, Congress is unable to see nationalism. This is the reason that Congress is faltering today and breathing its last,” he said.
Also, BJPs top leadership can claim a moral high ground, as no relative of any top leader, is occupying a top post in the party, or any BJP government (central or state). Yogi Adityanath, who is ‘Mahant’ (Chief Monk) of ‘Gorakshpeeth’ – a holy seat of the ‘Nath’ sect of Hindu saints in Gorakhpur, has been elected 5 times as Lok Sabha MP since 1998, and became Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, also has a similar story.
Yogi Adityanath’s sister Sashi Devi lives an ordinary life to make a living. Yes it’s true she is setting an example for relatives and friends of other politicians to not be affected by somebody’s power. The Bharatiya Janata Party leader’s sister Shashi’s simple lifestyle has often made headlines. She belongs to holy city Rishikesh, where she owns two flower shop near temples. She sells flowers and some food to make a living.
The place is 30 Kms from Panchur village, where Yogi was born and brought up. Mother of a son and 2 daughters, Shashi is 6 years elder to Yogi, and eldest among all her siblings. Yogi also has 3 brothers – 1 is in the army, 1 is a journalist, and 1 is a transporter. Once known as Ajay Bisht, Yogi is the 2nd eldest of them all.
A B. Sc. in Mathematics, Ajay became Yogi in 1994, at the age of 22. His father Anand Bisht – a retired forest ranger, still lives in Paurhi Garhwal. In 1991, Yogi joined ‘Ram Janmabhoomi’ movement as student leader of RSS affiliate student organization ABVP, while Shashi got married. When she heard about her brother becoming ‘sanyasi’, for some time she used to look for her brother, in every saint, who came to the village.
In an interview for a media platform, she says there has been no difference for her since Yogi Adityanath became a CM. Though she doesn’t gets to talk or meet her brother very often, Shashi keeps track of his work as CM, and keeps asking people coming from UP, about the same. She doesn’t expects any special favors from her brother, and only wishes him success in serving the people of UP. Her husband and Yogi’s brother-in-law, also holds the same views. Proud of her brother’s achievements, Shashi wishes to see Yogi, becoming a Prime Minister some day.
