In an intriguing political development, Baba Balaknath, the Member of Parliament from Alwar, who is often referred to as the ‘Yogi of Rajasthan,’ has been entrusted with the responsibility of Deputy Chief of the state by the newly appointed Rajasthan BJP President, CP Joshi.
Baba Balaknath, who holds a significant position in the Mev community, has also garnered attention for his association with Hindu nationalism, earning him the moniker of BJP’s potential “Trump card” in Rajasthan.
CP Joshi’s New Team: Blending Social and Caste Equations
CP Joshi’s new team is a strategic blend of leaders from various communities, including the OBC, MBC, Jat, Gurjar, Vishnoi, Kumawat, and Saini communities. Notably, it has given special consideration to caste equations while also showcasing elements of social engineering. Among the prominent names in the new team, Baba Balaknath, who is known for his strong hold in the Yadav community and his staunch Hindu nationalist image, stands out as a key figure.
Baba Balaknath: Rajasthan’s Yogi to Emulate UP’s Yogi?
The tag of “Trump card” bestowed upon Baba Balaknath is reminiscent of the influence Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has had on the BJP’s fortunes in the state. Yogi Adityanath’s strong Hindutva stance and fiery persona have contributed significantly to BJP’s strong position in Uttar Pradesh. Given this backdrop, if the political landscape in Rajasthan changes after the upcoming assembly elections, Baba Balaknath could emerge as the trump card for the BJP, following a similar trajectory to Yogi Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh.
The Yogi and Baba Connection
Baba Balaknath shares a close bond with the Nath sect and holds the position of the eighth Mahant (head) at the Mast Nath Math in Rohtak. In 2016, Chanda Nath Yogi appointed him as his successor. Baba Balaknath has also been associated with prominent figures like Yogi Adityanath and Baba Ramdev during various events at the Mast Nath Math. Their shared affiliation with the Nath sect and their strong Hindutva leadership have strengthened the connection between Yogi Adityanath and Baba Balaknath.
When Baba Balaknath Made Headlines
Baba Balaknath gained significant attention when he made a bold statement to a Rajasthan Police DSP, threatening him and mentioning three names, including the DSP himself, in a list of individuals under his watch. This video of Baba Balaknath’s fierce demeanor went viral on social media. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Baba Balaknath contested and won, defeating the senior Congress leader and former MP Bhawar Jitendra Singh with a substantial margin of votes. This victory catapulted him into the political spotlight, and now, he has been promoted to the post of Deputy Chief just ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
With the assembly elections approaching, all eyes are on the evolving political landscape in Rajasthan, where Baba Balaknath’s rise has sparked curiosity about the BJP’s potential trump card.
