West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari was seen bowing before Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during a recent public interaction. The incident occurred during a joint political event where both leaders shared the stage. As WB CM Adhikari approached Yogi Adityanath, he bowed which is a traditional Indian gesture often associated with respect toward elders, spiritual figures, or revered personalities. The moment, captured on camera, quickly went viral and led to multiple interpretations. While some viewed it as a sign of ideological alignment or political messaging, others speculated about hierarchy within the BJP. However, Adhikari has since clarified that his action was not political, but rooted in cultural values and personal belief.
Adhikari’s Explanation: “Not Just a Chief Minister”
Speaking about bowing down, Adhikari stated that Yogi Adityanath is not only a Chief Minister and a senior political leader but also the head priest (Peethadhishwar) of the renowned Gorakhnath Math in Gorakhpur. He drew a parallel with Swami Vivekananda, who popularised the saffron robe as a symbol of Sanatan values and spiritual awakening. For him, saffron is not merely a political color but a representation of India’s spiritual continuity.
Adhikari further said that, as a follower of Sanatan Dharma, he felt it was natural to bow before someone who embodies both political authority and religious leadership. He framed the act as a personal expression of faith and cultural values, rather than a calculated political move.
Yogi Adityanath has increasingly emerged as a prominent campaign face for the BJP beyond Uttar Pradesh, including in politically crucial states like West Bengal. At the same time, Suvendu Adhikari is one of the BJP’s key figures in Bengal, leading the party’s charge against the Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee. Opposition voices in West Bengal have criticized the gesture and called it unnecessary and politically loaded. Whereas, the BJP supporters defended it as an expression of Indian values and respect for a spiritual leader.
