In a video address following the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) decisive victory in the Madhya Pradesh assembly elections, incumbent Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized that he was neither a contender for the state’s top position earlier nor is he one now. Chouhan, in a humble acknowledgment, referred to himself as a dedicated party worker who will wholeheartedly accept any position offered by the party’s leadership.
The BJP secured a resounding win, retaining the 230-member Madhya Pradesh assembly with 163 seats, while the Congress trailed with 66 seats. Chouhan, expressing gratitude to the public for the clear mandate, considered himself fortunate to work under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“I consider myself fortunate that PM Modi is our leader and I have got the opportunity to work with him. Under the leadership of PM Modi, a glorious, prosperous, and powerful India is being built, and we are the tools for building such an India,” Chouhan remarked.
Asserting his commitment to the mission of building a stronger India under Modi’s leadership, Chouhan reiterated that he has always dedicated himself to this cause as a party worker. He underlined his belief that India, under Modi’s guidance, would lead the world.
Addressing reporters, Chouhan announced his plan to visit the Chhindwara constituency, where Congress veteran Kamal Nath emerged victorious, to meet the people. Dismissing any plans to visit Delhi, Chouhan expressed a singular resolution for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections – that the BJP should win all 29 seats in Madhya Pradesh.
In the lead-up to the assembly elections, the BJP had not projected Chouhan as the Chief Ministerial face. However, his claim to the position gained strength following the party’s triumph, attributed in part to the state’s flagship ‘Ladli Behna’ scheme.
Amid speculation about key BJP leaders, including Union ministers Jyotiraditya Scindia, Narendra Singh Tomar, and Prahlad Singh Patel, along with party’s national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya being potential contenders, Chouhan remained focused on party loyalty and dedication to the public.
As the political landscape in Madhya Pradesh evolves, Chouhan’s statements reflect a commitment to the party’s decisions and a readiness to assume any role entrusted to him by the leadership. The BJP’s resounding victory sets the stage for the state’s political future, with various leaders vying for prominence in the aftermath of the assembly elections.
