New Delhi: His understanding of rural issues and his grassroots connections are helping his case.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has emerged as the strongest contender to replace the incumbent Jagat Prakash Nadda as the next president of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Known for his calm demeanour, political acumen, and exceptional media management skills, Chouhan’s name has reportedly been endorsed by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and several quarters of the BJP. Sources said that with a political career spanning over three decades, Chouhan has proven to be capable of handling complex challenges with a “resume” that is unmatched in comparison to any other leader whose name is being considered and pushed by their supporters for the said post.
The 65-year-old Chouhan, born in the small village of Jait, near Sehore in Madhya Pradesh, joined the RSS as a 13-year-old in 1972, laying the foundation for his future political career. His rise within the RSS ranks and then the BJP, combined with his impressive academic background—he holds a Master’s degree in philosophy— his well-wishers say, makes him a natural fit to lead the BJP, which is expected to witness significant political changes and challenges in the coming years.
The six-time MP and four-time Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh led the state for nearly 18 years, making him the longest-serving CM of the state, a testament not just to his political experience but his acumen, which allowed him to survive and prosper while facing internal challenges from multiple quarters, most of which were sidelined gradually and smoothly by Chouhan.
In addition to his Constitutional experience, Chouhan has held several key positions within the BJP’s organizational structure. From 2000 to 2002, he served as the National President of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the youth wing of the party. Between 2019 and 2020, he served as the BJP’s National Vice President, further enhancing his profile at the national level. He has also been a member of the BJP’s Parliamentary Board and Central Election Committee, two of the most important decision-making bodies in the party, reflecting the trust the leadership places in him.
However, it is Chouhan’s role as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh that truly defined his political career and crafted his image as “Mama” (maternal uncle) for the number of welfare activities that he executed. Chouhan’s ability to connect with the common man and his political foes resonates with the BJP’s broader agenda of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (with all, development for all), which has held him in good stead so far.
What has added to his credentials is his understanding of rural issues and his grassroots connections especially at a time when the BJP is looking to strengthen its appeal among rural and agrarian voters in wake of the farmer protest. Sources within the RSS told The Sunday Guardian that among all the names being discussed, Chouhan was the best choice. His name might have come up in media discussions now, but it has been deliberated in RSS circles for a considerable time, they claimed.
A senior RSS functionary said that despite not being happy about being removed from Madhya Pradesh, Chouhan made a seamless transition into the role of Union Agriculture Minister. He is now among the most “visible” Union Ministers and has made an impact in Delhi in a very short time, something many of his colleagues have failed to achieve.
The functionary added that Chouhan’s potential elevation to the post of BJP National President would likely bring more strategic advantage to the party, given his extensive experience and popularity.
A senior journalist with an English newspaper, who was based in Bhopal in 1996 when Chouhan was still in the early stages of his political career, recalled how a businessman friend of Chouhan approached him, saying that Chouhan wanted to request an interview. The journalist responded that Chouhan could have approached him directly, and the interview would still have taken place. The businessman explained that Chouhan was not comfortable speaking in English, which is why he had asked the businessman, a mutual acquaintance, to make the request on his behalf. The journalist and Chouhan later conversed in Hindi, and the interview was subsequently translated and published in English. This anecdote highlights Chouhan’s ability to get things done, often using polite words and trusted relationships.
Despite his long tenure in public life, Chouhan has managed to remain largely unscathed by controversies, thanks to his exceptional media management skills.
The Vyapam scam, which implicated several top officials and politicians in a massive recruitment and admission fraud, posed one of the most significant threats to his political career. However, through careful handling of the media and public narrative, Chouhan emerged relatively unscathed.
His crisis management during the scandal showcased his ability to maintain public trust even in the face of serious allegations, a trait that has set him apart from many other leaders. He successfully managed to navigate the scandal while keeping his and the BJP’s reputation intact in Madhya Pradesh, a feat that not many politicians could have pulled off.
Unlike other potential contenders, such as Vasundhara Raje, Sanjay Joshi, Bhupender Yadav and Ram Madhav—whose names have been floated but are not considered serious threats—Chouhan enjoys widespread acceptance within both the BJP and the Sangh. His long association with the RSS, dating back to his teenage years, has earned him the trust and confidence of the organization, making him a favourite for the top job.
Bhupender Yadav, who is also a Union Minister, is described as a close confidant of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Seen as a key strategist, he has played a pivotal role in several state elections and holds significant influence within the party’s organizational framework. While Yadav’s organizational acumen makes him a strong candidate, Chouhan’s broader appeal, electoral experience, and media management skills give him an edge.
RSS functionaries said that Chouhan’s ability to unite different factions within the party is another asset not available with other leaders. Unlike many other leaders who have generated internal opposition, Chouhan has relatively few political enemies within the BJP and virtually none within the RSS. His consensus-building approach and non-confrontational style have allowed him to maintain harmony within the party, a crucial skill for a leader tasked with managing a large and diverse organization like the BJP.