In the wake of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra predicting Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s exit from the top post following the year-end assembly polls, Chouhan asked people at a rally if he should become Chief Minister again. Political circles in Madhya Pradesh are speculating about Chouhan’s return ahead of the assembly polls. The BJP has fielded several stalwarts as its candidates, who may be considered as contenders for the Chief Minister’s post if the party retains power. Chouhan addressed a gathering in Dindori, asking if he is running a good government and if he should continue as Chief Minister. He also asked if Narendra Modi should continue as Prime Minister and if the BJP should retain power. Attendees replied to both questions with affirmative answers.
During a rally in Dhar district, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra claimed that Chouhan will not become Chief Minister again, stating that PM Modi is shying away from mentioning Chouhan’s name. Chouhan, the state’s longest serving Chief Minister, has been seen getting emotional during public events and rallies. In his home-turf Budhni, he asked people if he should contest elections. At a rally in Budhni, he told women that they would miss a “brother like me” when he is not around. In Ujjain, he mentioned the slippery path of politics and sought the blessings of spiritual leaders. In Khargone, Chouhan expressed his lack of greed for any post.
Chouhan clarified that the recent statements seeking public permission about his candidature during the upcoming polls indicate the family-like relationship he has with the people of the state. He emphasized that if he has to contest elections, he will do so only after asking the people. Elections for the 230-member Madhya Pradesh assembly are likely to be held at the end of the year. The BJP has announced the names of 79 candidates, many of whom are seen as contenders for the Chief Minister’s post, including Union ministers and party leaders.
Earlier this week, Indore strongman Kailash Vijayvargiya expressed that he is contesting the upcoming state elections not just to become an MLA but also to take on important responsibilities within the party. During a press conference in August, Union Home Minister Amit Shah counter-questioned the media’s speculation about the Chief Ministerial face of the party, stating that the party will make the decision.
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