Amid PM Modi retirement claim, Yogi Adityanath on his political future

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday opened up about his political ambitions amid heated speculation over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s possible retirement.

Responding to a question about public sentiment favouring him as a future prime minister, Adityanath told a news agency that he doesn't consider politics his full-time job. "Look, I am the Chief Minister of the state, the party has put me here for the people of Uttar Pradesh and politics is not a full-time job for me. At present, we are working here but in reality, I am a Yogi," he said.

Keeping his future political prospects open-ended, he added, "As long as we are here, we are working... there will be a time limit to this too."

Yogi Adityanath’s remarks come after Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut alleged the RSS, the BJP’s ideological mentor, wanted PM Modi to step down by September and make way for new leadership.

When asked about potential differences with the BJP high command, Yogi Adityanath dismissed the notion outright. He has been at the helm of Uttar Pradesh for nine years over two consecutive terms, making him the state's longest-serving chief minister. During his tenure, he has focused on law and order, Hindutva, populist initiatives, and economic development.

However, the BJP suffered setbacks in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, winning only 33 seats—29 fewer than in 2019. The decline fuelled speculation about internal discontent and a possible rift between Yogi Adityanath and the BJP central leadership.