Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Credit: DH Photo
Following the BJP's landslide victory with 163 seats in the 2023 assembly election, speculation is widespread regarding the next chief minister in Madhya Pradesh. While Shivraj Singh Chouhan has avoided providing a direct answer, he is considered the frontrunner for the position. In response to media inquiries about the next CM, Chouhan emphasised the collective decision-making process within the BJP, led by the central leadership. He stressed that party members work together to articulate policies and programs focused on growth and development, positioning himself as a dedicated party worker pursuing an ambitious mission.
Chouhan reiterated that public service, including women's empowerment, remains his top priority, emphasizing that it is not merely a profession for personal gain. He declared, "MP is my temple, the people of the state are like gods, and I am simply a worshipper of their aspirations (MP mera mandir hai, janta meri bhagwan hai, aur Shivraj unka pujari hai)."
Praising PM Narendra Modi's leadership, Chouhan expressed confidence that India, under Modi, would transform into a world leader, teaching the world how to live in peace and harmony. He confidently stated that the BJP in Madhya Pradesh aims to win all 29 Lok Sabha seats, presenting it as a gift to Modi from the state unit. Chouhan predicted a historic victory for the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, with Modi returning as Prime Minister.
Chouhan attributed the BJP's success in the recent election to the people's trust in the party's policies and programs aimed at empowerment. Schemes like Ladli Behna Yojna, among others, played a crucial role in the party's historic win, he said.
Meanwhile, the names of other senior leaders, such as Jyotiraditya Scindia, Kailash Vijayvargiya, Narendra Singh Tomar, Prahlad Patel, and BJP state president VD, are circulating as potential candidates for the chief minister post. The national leadership of the BJP will soon finalise the names for the chief ministers for Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh.