How Adityanath Yogi’s tough image precedes him

Nine days after its formation, the Adityanath Yogi government in Uttar Pradesh is giving signals that are difficult to decipher by the government machinery and the people alike. Perceived widely as being a Hindu hardliner, Adityanath has so far not given any statement or speech that indicates a tilt towards any community, and at the same time, the continued presence of the team of bureaucrats working on their previous positions since the Akhilesh Yadav regime is making officials wonder what lies in store for them.

Significantly, the Adityanath government has not held its first cabinet meeting so far, triggering speculation about what could be holding it back. During the election campaign, leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party and even Prime Minister Narendra Modi had claimed that the decision to waive farmers' loans would be announced in the first meeting of the cabinet in case a BJP government came to power.

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Now that the BJP government is firmly in place with a massive majority, opposition parties are questioning the delay in holding a cabinet meeting. Adding to the speculation is a recent statement by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley that the Centre would not provide funds for farmer loan wavier, and that the state of UP will have to make its own arrangements for the same.

Yogi in action mode

But, cabinet meeting or not, Adityanath seems to be working in an action mode, having paid surprise visits to rooms in the secretariat, the Hazratganj police station, the KG's Medical College, and a planned visit to the Gomti riverfront development area. In addition, he has ordered a crackdown on illegal slaughter-houses, gutkha, pan masala and polythene bags in government offices, and ordered officers and government workers to come to office on time. However, there is doubt whether there were specific orders for the much-publicised anti-eve teasing campaign which often acquired contours of moral policing.

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The chief minister himself had to clarify that the police would not harass couples and men-women walking or sitting at public places. Even on the slaughter-house closure issue, the chief minister has had to clarify that only illegal slaughterhouses have been closed and those having proper permission and licence can function normally. However, all slaughter-houses are lying closed for two days because of a strike by them, leading to a huge shortage of meat.

A hard task-master

More than Adityanath's specific orders, it is the apprehension of his ire that is causing tremors in the state administration. According to many officers working in the state secretariat, officers and employees have not yet been able to understand the chief minister's reaction to different situations, therefore they think it is better to be on the safe side. His image of being a hard task-master is also contributing to the precaution prevailing among government staff. Adityanath had himself said in his speech in Gorakhpur a day ago that those in the government should be ready to work for long hours to show results.

The style of functioning is indeed different, and so far the people seem to be welcoming it. However, those officers occupying key positions since the previous chief minister's tenure are not sure what lies ahead for them. Officers such as the chief secretary, principal secretaries for the department of information, public works department, irrigation, and some other key departments are continuing in their posts and expect to be transferred any day.

A big reshuffle on the cards?

Some officers who had been identified as being very close confidants of the former chief minister are also continuing in their posts. While this has evoked muted reactions from some BJP leaders, there is widespread expectation that a big reshuffle would be made after the appointment of the principal secretary to the chief minister.

It is also mentioned by some leaders in the party that major activity will begin with the start of the auspicious Navratri period from March 29. The oath-taking of newly-elected members of the Assembly is likely on March 30 and a pro-tem speaker has also been appointed. The chief minister is likely to shift to the official residence on Kalidas Marg after that day. Incidentally, changes desired by the chief minister are taking place in the official residence which had been purified with an elaborate ritual some days ago.

However, one place where the change is not yet reflected fully is the UP government's official website. Adityanath's profile has not yet been published on the website even though a photograph of the chief minister is placed. The message says "This page is Under Updation and shall be made available soon."