Who is Shivraj Singh Chouhan?

Shivraj Singh Chouhan is an Indian politician from Madhya Pradesh. He is a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and has served as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh multiple times, with his current tenure beginning in March 2020. Born on March 5, 1959, in Sehore district, Chouhan has been a key figure in the state's politics, known for his administrative skills and development-oriented policies.

 

He defeated Indian National Congress candidate Pratapbhanu Sharma by 8,21,408 votes in the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Madhya Pradesh's Visdisha constituency. He took oath as minister in the Narendra Modi-led cabinet and is now serving as the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and Rural Development.

 

He was a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Budhni constituency in Madhya Pradesh. He currently has one pending criminal case filed against him.

 

Education

Shivraj Singh Chouhan completed his early education in his hometown. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Arts from Barkatullah University, Bhopal. He later pursued a Master's degree in Philosophy from the same university. His academic background in philosophy has influenced his political thinking and leadership style, emphasizing values and ethical governance.

Political Journey

Shivraj Singh Chouhan's political journey began in his youth when he became involved with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at the age of 13. His formal political career started when he joined the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the youth wing of the BJP. He quickly rose through the ranks, demonstrating strong leadership and organizational skills. In 2005, he became State President of BJP Madhya Pradesh.

 

In 1991, Chouhan was elected to the 10th Lok Sabha from the Vidisha constituency, marking the beginning of his parliamentary career. He was re-elected to the Lok Sabha in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2004, representing the Vidisha constituency for five consecutive terms. During his tenure in the Lok Sabha, he served on various important committees and was known for his articulate speeches and commitment to his constituents' issues.

 

In 2005, Chouhan was appointed the President of the Madhya Pradesh BJP. Later that year, he was chosen to replace Babulal Gaur as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. His tenure as Chief Minister has been marked by a focus on infra development, agricultural growth, and social welfare programs. Initiatives such as the Ladli Laxmi Yojana and Mukhyamantri Kanyadan Yojana have been particularly notable, aimed at improving the status and welfare of girls and women in the state.

 

Under Chouhan's leadership, the BJP secured significant electoral victories in Madhya Pradesh, including the 2008 and 2013 state assembly elections. However, in the 2018 state assembly elections, the BJP lost its majority, and Chouhan resigned as Chief Minister. Despite this setback, he remained a prominent political figure in the state.

 

In March 2020, following the collapse of the Kamal Nath-led Congress government, Chouhan was once again sworn in as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. His current term has continued to focus on development and handling the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.