Rajasthan CM Candidate: Who Is Mahant Balak Nath Yogi, BJP's Probable Choice?

Mahant Balak Nath Yogi has risen as a unique candidate for the CM’s post for Rajasthan. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had fielded Mahant Balak Nath Yogi as their candidate, pitting him against Congress nominee Imran Khan. In the lead-up to the polls, the Congress party claimed that Balak Nath had acquired 32 acres of land valued at Rs 52 crore at Cultus Lake in Canada.

Nevertheless, he dismissed the accusations as unfounded and trivial. “The Congress is scared of BJP’s public support in Tijara. The party wants to divert from the issue of misgovernance and terrorism by making false allegations without any proof,” he asserted. Here is a lowdown on the BJP contender for Rajasthan CM post

Formative Years

Born on April 16, 1984, in the village of Kohrana in Behror tehsil, Balak Nath’s roots are deeply embedded in Alwar. Coming from an agricultural family, he took his first steps into sannyasa at the tender age of six-and-a-half, prompting him to leave home and seek solace in an ashram. Balak Nath’s father, Subhash Yadav, dedicated his service to Baba Khetanath in the Baba Khetanath Ashram of Neemrana, imparting a profound sense of devotion to Balak Nath during his formative years.

Mahant has a huge following on social media platforms with nearly 1.5 million followers on Instagram. Born into a Yadav family and deeply rooted in the Nath sect of Hinduism, Balak Nath is not only a political figure but also an aspirant for the chief minister’s post within the faction-ridden state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

His Spiritual Journey

The pivotal moment in Balak Nath’s spiritual odyssey unfolded on July 29, 2016, when he was anointed as the eighth successor of Asthal Bohar. This significant event took place in the presence of Brahmalin Mahant Chandnath Yogi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Yogguru Baba Ramdev, and other eminent saints. Following the demise of Mahant Chandnath Yogi in 2017, Balak Nath undertook the role of the eighth abbot of Asthal Bohar, the largest monastery within the Nath sect. Presently, he serves as the abbot of the Baba Mastnath Math and holds the esteemed position of Chancellor at Baba Mastnath University, both situated in Rohtak, Haryana.

His Foray Into Politics

Balak Nath’s entry into politics was influenced by his mentor, Mahant Chandnath, a former Member of Parliament from Alwar. In succession to his guru, Balak Nath assumed leadership at the Baba Mastnath Mutt in Haryana. A significant figure in his political journey is the endorsement from yoga guru Baba Ramdev. While navigating the campaign trail, Balak Nath is accompanied by a dedicated team from Mahendragarh in Haryana, underscoring the extensive support he commands. What distinguishes Balak Nath is his status as an outsider in the Tijara constituency, competing against a formidable local Congress candidate.