What The Changing Yogi-Shah Equation Means For Uttar Pradesh

Cracks, Consensus, And Control

Amid speculation of friction, recent Yogi–Shah meetings hint at strategic recalibration impacting official appointments, state leadership, caste alignments, and a long-awaited cabinet reshuffle.

Amit Shah's public praise for Yogi Adityanath carries particular significance amid persistent speculation about their rivalry in the race to succeed Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"In every sector, Yogi ji has effectively implemented the schemes at the grassroots level under Modi ji's leadership," Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, praising Uttar Pradesh (UP) Chief Minister (CM) in Lucknow on 15 June.

Shah was addressing 60,244 newly recruited personnel of the UP Police. This was his first visit to the state after he visited Prayagraj earlier this year for the Maha Kumbh.

Prior to this, UP CM Yogi met Shah in New Delhi on 9 June, describing it as a "courtesy call." It was their first meeting in nearly four and a half months.