Yogi Adityanath: Hard taskmaster regiments UP bureaucracy

His decision not to effect any kneejerk reshuffle in bureaucracy changed his reckoning in public

On his recent visit to Lucknow, a senior executive with an Indian corporate, who frequently tours the city for official purposes, quipped he had experienced far lesser traffic jams this time round compared to his several many in the past months and years. 

This despite traffic diversions and curbs being effected at the main thoroughfares of Lucknow owing to the Lucknow Metro Rail project underway. “Something has surely changed at the ground level and which is apparent,” he quipped. 

The gent is not waxing eloquent without reason. Beat policing has both increased and improved under the incumbent Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh. All main traffic intersections are manned by vigilant cops, who now have a free hand to deal with offenders without fear or favour. 

Yogi, who is also the head seer of the reverrred Gorakhpur-based Gorakshnath Peeth, has so far, at least in public eye, performed beyond the stereotyped image as a Hindu poster-boy and a street fighter for local community causes. 

His elevation to the top post in UP had understandably set tongues wagging as to the possible turn of events in the following days. A section of the minorities were apprehensive undeniably. 

However, Yogi’s surprise decision not to effect any kneejerk reshuffle in state bureaucracy after coming to power unlike his predecessors, coupled with his stern message in no uncertain terms to police to deal strictly with law breakers and maintain law and order, has gradually and surely changed his reckoning in the eyes of the people, including minorities.

His public interaction programmes at his official residence at 5 Kalidas Marg continues to attract a large section from the minority community as well, including women, who approach him for succour over a variety of subjects, including triple talaq, financial distress, threats etc. 

Bureaucracy regimented 

The sense of alacrity is not limited to police department alone, but the high and mighty bureaucrats have also fallen in line to the new work culture, that demands ‘working beyond the call of duty’. 

Yogi has introduced a rather regimented approach in the state officialdom, which is unlikely to be relenting under his regime, especially in the first few months to allow the bureaucracy accept the new normal and accede accordingly. 

Ever since, Yogi took charge three weeks back, the spate of official meetings that extend well beyond the ‘normal’ duty hours to late nights, have been one too many. 

While in private, the officials complain about the sudden change in the work and tiring work schedule, the new chief minister has explicitly stated he needed his officials to put in 18-20 hrs a day and those who were not ready to get attuned, were free to pursue alternative course. 

Over the past few days, individual government departments have been giving presentations to the CM over the current status of ongoing projects and finances, so as to allow him a peek into the broad contours. It is a far cry from earlier regimes, when the concerned minister chaired such review meetings and in turn briefed the CM. 

In fact, the whiff of change is perceptible in other power domain as well viz. the state council of ministers. 

Taking cue from Yogi, who is known to conduct surprise inspections of government departments, hospitals, offices etc, the two deputy CMs, cabinet and junior ministers have also been on toes and making effort to at least appear busy and involved.                                                                                            

Spurt in street protests 

With Yogi at the helm, the state has witnessed rising cases of street protests over variety of socioeconomic issues, including liquor sale, fee hike in private schools, triple talaq etc. 

Political commentator Sudhir Panwar opined such protests were not sustainable in long run and in fact were not amenable in long run. 

“These protests indicate high expectations of people. At the government level, it also means that the ruling dispensation has accepted the failure of bureaucracy to deliver the goods. In a way, it is the sidelining of bureaucracy, which is not practical in a democratic setup,” Panwar underlined.

He termed such protests as public euphoria following change of guard. “At present, both the Centre and UP are being ruled by person-centric leaders (Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Yogi respectively),” he added.