Shivraj Chouhan Drops Subtle Hint as BJP Weighs Options for New Chief Minister

Shivraj Chouhan, the four-time Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, dropped a subtle hint to the BJP leadership as they consider fresh Chief Minister faces in the recently won heartland states. Despite leading his party to a historic victory in Madhya Pradesh with schemes like “Ladli behena,” Chouhan may not get the job again due to the party’s inclination towards a generational change and consulting with other potential candidates.

During an event in Bhopal commemorating the death anniversary of BR Ambedkar, Chouhan paid tribute to him and highlighted the BJP government’s commitment to following the path shown by Ambedkar for the welfare of the last person in society. This remark was seen as a way for the Chief Minister to remind the party leadership of the role his government’s welfare schemes played in the election victory.

The BJP is currently considering completely new faces for the Chief Minister positions in the heartland states, as they focus on the upcoming major elections. Despite the BJP’s thumping victory in Madhya Pradesh with 163 out of 230 seats, Chouhan has repeatedly stated that he is not in the race and considers himself a footsoldier of the party.

To avoid any perception of lobbying for the top post, Chouhan has refrained from visiting Delhi. Instead, he has focused on visiting night shelters in Bhopal to assess winter arrangements and interacted with beneficiaries of the “Ladli Behna” scheme. These activities aim to portray Chouhan as connected to the ground and not driven by a thirst for power.

The BJP leadership has been engaging in brainstorming sessions to select Chief Ministers who will lead the heartland states in the crucial upcoming elections. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP chief JP Nadda recently met with key leaders from each state, and a marathon meeting was held at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence to discuss the frontrunners in the three states.

The party’s decision on the Chief Minister faces in the heartland states will be eagerly awaited.