Mahant Balaknath Yogi, popularly known as Baba Balaknath, is a significant political and spiritual figure in India, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Born on April 16, 1984, in Kohrana village, Behror tehsil, Alwar district, Rajasthan, he has emerged as a dynamic leader blending spirituality with politics. Often dubbed the "Yogi of Rajasthan," Balaknath draws comparisons to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath due to his saffron robes and strong Hindutva stance. As of March 27, 2025, Baba Balaknath serves as the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Tijara constituency in Rajasthan and is the eighth Mahant of the Nath sect, heading the Baba Mastnath Math in Rohtak, Haryana.
Early Life and Family Background
Baba Balaknath was born into a modest Yadav family in the rural village of Kohrana, Rajasthan. His father, Subhash Yadav, was a farmer and a devoted follower of Baba Khetanath, a revered saint in the Nath sect. His mother, Lakshmi Yadav, nurtured a household rooted in traditional values and spirituality. From a young age, Balaknath exhibited an inclination toward devotion, influenced by his father’s association with the Baba Khetanath Ashram in Neemrana. This early exposure to spiritual life shaped his destiny, setting him apart from his peers.
At the tender age of six and a half, Balaknath made a life-altering decision to renounce worldly life and embrace sannyasa (monasticism). Born on a Thursday, he was named Gurumukh by Baba Khetanath, who foresaw the child’s potential to serve humanity. This marked the beginning of his spiritual voyage, distancing him from a conventional upbringing and steering him toward a life of asceticism and public welfare.
Spiritual Journey: Rise in the Nath Sect
Baba Balaknath’s spiritual journey began in earnest when he joined the Matsyendra Maharaj Ashram in Rajasthan, where he lived from 1985 to 1991. Under the guidance of his early mentors, he immersed himself in the teachings of the Nath sect, a Shaivite tradition emphasizing yoga, meditation, and devotion to Lord Shiva. At age six, he moved to Nathawali Theri village in Hanumangarh district, where he continued his training under Mahant Chandnath, a prominent figure in the Nath lineage and later a political mentor.
In 2016, a significant milestone occurred when Mahant Chandnath declared Balaknath as his successor during a grand ceremony at the Baba Mastnath Math in Rohtak, Haryana. Attended by notable figures like Yogi Adityanath and Baba Ramdev, this event cemented Balaknath’s position as the eighth Mahant of the Nath sect. Following Mahant Chandnath’s passing in 2017, Balaknath assumed leadership of the Baba Mastnath Math, one of the largest monasteries of the Nath tradition. He also became the Chancellor of Baba Mastnath University in Rohtak, balancing his spiritual duties with educational stewardship.
Entry into Politics with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Baba Balaknath’s foray into politics was a natural extension of his spiritual influence and public following. Inspired by his guru Mahant Chandnath, who had served as a Member of Parliament (MP) from Alwar, Balaknath joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2014. The BJP, known for its Hindutva ideology and alignment with nationalist values, provided a platform that resonated with Balaknath’s beliefs and persona.
His political debut came in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections when the BJP fielded him as a candidate from the Alwar constituency in Rajasthan. Facing off against Congress veteran Bhanwar Jitendra Singh, Balaknath secured a resounding victory with a margin of over 3 lakh votes. This triumph underscored his ability to convert his spiritual following into a formidable political force, establishing him as a rising star within the BJP.
Transition to State Politics: Rajasthan Assembly Elections 2023
After serving as an MP, Baba Balaknath shifted his focus to state politics. In the 2023 Rajasthan Legislative Assembly elections, the BJP nominated him as its candidate from the Tijara constituency in Alwar district. Contesting against Congress candidate Imran Khan, Balaknath won the seat with a margin of over 13,000 votes, contributing to the BJP’s victory in ousting the Congress government led by Ashok Gehlot. On December 7, 2023, he resigned from his Lok Sabha position to take up his role as an MLA, signaling his commitment to grassroots governance.
The Tijara constituency, with its diverse demographic including a significant Muslim population, presented a challenging electoral battle. However, Balaknath’s appeal transcended communal lines, bolstered by his reputation as a spiritual leader and a champion of Hindutva. His campaign was supported by a loyal team from Mahendragarh, Haryana, reflecting his widespread regional influence.
Political Persona and Controversies
Baba Balaknath’s political style is characterized by his fiery rhetoric and unapologetic stance on Hindutva issues. Often compared to Yogi Adityanath, he has distanced himself from such parallels, referring to the UP Chief Minister as a “big brother” while emphasizing his unique identity. His saffron attire and ascetic lifestyle resonate with BJP supporters, earning him the moniker “Rajasthan’s Yogi.”
However, his journey has not been without controversies. In 2023, during the Rajasthan election campaign, he received a notice from the Election Commission for allegedly violating the model code of conduct. A video surfaced in which he claimed that if a village had 1,440 votes, the count would show 1,450, hinting at electoral manipulation. Balaknath dismissed the allegations as motivational rhetoric for party workers, but the incident highlighted his polarizing presence.
Additionally, in 2019, he clashed with a Rajasthan Police DSP over the detention of a BJP activist, reportedly threatening the officer and asserting his authority. Such episodes have fueled debates about his temperament, yet they have also solidified his image as a bold and assertive leader among his followers.
Contributions and Vision
As an MLA and spiritual leader, Baba Balaknath aims to blend governance with cultural nationalism, a core tenet of the BJP. He has advocated for development projects in Tijara, focusing on infrastructure, education, and rural upliftment. His role as Chancellor of Baba Mastnath University underscores his commitment to education, aligning with the BJP’s emphasis on empowering the youth.
Balaknath’s vision extends beyond politics. He seeks to promote the values of the Nath sect—discipline, spirituality, and service—while addressing contemporary challenges like unemployment and communal harmony. His leadership in the Baba Mastnath Math continues to inspire thousands, bridging the gap between spirituality and public life.
Personal Life and Public Image
At 40 years old (as of 2024), Baba Balaknath remains unmarried, adhering to the ascetic traditions of the Nath sect. His net worth, estimated at approximately INR 1 crore, reflects his modest lifestyle despite his influential positions. With nearly 1.5 million followers on Instagram, he commands a massive social media presence, engaging with supporters through spiritual messages and political updates.
His public image is a blend of reverence and controversy—a spiritual guru turned politician who navigates the complexities of modern India with a firm rootedness in tradition. Supporters laud his dedication to Hindutva and public service, while critics question his confrontational style and alleged overreach.
Conclusion
Baba Balaknath’s journey from a rural village in Rajasthan to the corridors of power in the BJP is a testament to his resilience, charisma, and strategic acumen. As a spiritual leader and elected representative, he embodies the BJP’s ethos of cultural nationalism and governance. Whether he ascends to higher office, such as Rajasthan’s Chief Minister—a prospect speculated after the 2023 elections—or continues to shape Tijara’s future, Balaknath remains a pivotal figure in India’s political and spiritual landscape.
Top FAQs About Baba Balaknath
- Who is Baba Balaknath?
Baba Balaknath, or Mahant Balaknath Yogi, is an Indian politician and spiritual leader with the BJP. He is the MLA from Tijara, Rajasthan, and the eighth Mahant of the Nath sect. - What is Baba Balaknath’s political background?
He joined the BJP in 2014, won the Alwar Lok Sabha seat in 2019, and later became the MLA from Tijara in the 2023 Rajasthan Assembly elections. - Why is he called the "Yogi of Rajasthan"?
His saffron robes, spiritual leadership, and Hindutva advocacy draw comparisons to Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, earning him this nickname. - What is his role in the Nath sect?
He is the eighth Mahant of the Baba Mastnath Math in Rohtak, Haryana, and Chancellor of Baba Mastnath University. - Has Baba Balaknath been involved in controversies?
Yes, he faced scrutiny for alleged model code violations in 2023 and a confrontation with a police officer in 2019 over a BJP worker’s detention. - What are his contributions as an MLA?
He focuses on development in Tijara, including infrastructure and education, while promoting Hindutva and cultural nationalism. - Is Baba Balaknath married?
No, he is unmarried, adhering to the ascetic traditions of the Nath sect.
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