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Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections 2027 may still be far away, but new equations have already started forming in the politics of Purvanchal. A question is being heard again and again in the political circles of Gorakhpur and surrounding districts that whose influence will be more visible on the politics of Purvanchal in 2027? The Gorakhnath Math led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath or his famous ‘Hata’ which was the center of former minister Harishankar Tiwari’s political legacy?

There was a time when Math and Hata were considered two such centers in the politics of Gorakhpur, without the discussion of which the politics of Purvanchal was considered incomplete. Although circumstances have changed with time, the political and social identity of both still remains intact.

When politics of Purvanchal was decided by hand

Harishankar Tiwari was the face of Purvanchal politics, who built a political empire on his own. Harishankar Tiwari, who was MLA from Chillupar assembly constituency several times, created a strong political network while serving as a minister in various governments of the state. His ‘Hata’ located in Gorakhpur was not only a residence but was considered a major center of political activities.

It is said that leaders, contractors, businessmen and local public representatives from many districts of Purvanchal used to reach Hatay regularly. He had deep penetration in the Brahmin society and his influence in the politics of Purvanchal remained for a long time.

What was the style of politics of Harishankar Tiwari?

The biggest feature of Harishankar Tiwari’s politics was personal contacts and social networks. He was considered a leader who was involved in the happiness and sorrow of his supporters along with solving caste equations. Even today his supporters in the rural areas of Purvanchal say that no one returned empty handed. The basis of his politics was more personal influence and social relations than organization. This was the reason why his political importance remained intact despite being in power or in opposition.

Is the Tiwari family still influential?

After the demise of Harishankar Tiwari, his son Vinay Shankar Tiwari is trying to carry forward his political legacy. However, in the changed political environment the family has not been able to achieve the same success as before. In the 2022 assembly elections, Chillupar seat went to BJP’s account. Nevertheless, political experts believe that a permanent support base of the Tiwari family is still present in Chillupar, Barhalganj and surrounding areas, which cannot be ignored.

The strength of the Math increased under the leadership of Yogi

On the other hand, the influence of Gorakhnath Math has increased significantly in the last decade. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Math has become not only a religious institution but also the biggest power center of Purvanchal politics. After becoming the Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath kept Gorakhpur the main center of his political activities. Through public darshan, monitoring of development projects, administrative meetings and constant public relations, he has established a strong hold in the area.

The biggest difference in the 2027 elections is that now politics is no longer limited to caste equations only. BJP is making development works, law and order and organizational strength its base. At the same time, the Tiwari family still has political legacy, influence in Brahmin society and a network of old supporters. This is the reason why his name still remains in discussion in the politics of Purvanchal.

Who will have the upper hand in 2027?

Political analysts believe that if we talk about entire Gorakhpur and Purvanchal, then at present the influence of Yogi Adityanath and Gorakhnath Math is clearly stronger. The benefits of power, organization and government schemes seem to be going in favor of BJP. However, the Tiwari family still has the ability to influence the electoral equations in Chillupar and some surrounding areas. If the opposition adopts the strategy of consolidating Brahmin votes then the role of Tiwari family can be important.

At one time, Gorakhpur’s Hata was the most talked about address of Purvanchal politics. Today Gorakhnath Math is the main center of power of the state. In such a situation, the 2027 elections will not only be a fight for seats, but will also decide whether the influence of heritage or the power of organization and power is stronger in the politics of Purvanchal. At present, Yogi Adityanath’s Math seems to dominate the political picture, but Harishankar Tiwari’s legacy is still not completely out of the politics of Purvanchal.