Amidst ongoing speculation, sources told News18 that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is considering fielding former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. This development comes on the heels of the BJP's resounding victory in Madhya Pradesh's assembly elections, securing 163 seats out of 230.
However, despite this triumph, Chouhan was replaced by Mohan Yadav as the Chief Minister.
With Congress' Kamal Nath squashing rumors of his party allegiance switch, BJP sources suggest Shivraj Singh Chouhan might contest the Lok Sabha polls from Chhindwara, currently held by Nath's son, Nakul Nath.
Additionally, there are murmurs within the ruling party about fielding Chouhan from Vidisha, a seat he has previously held for five terms.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan's Political Journey
Born on March 5, 1959, in Jait village, Sehore, Chouhan's political journey is deeply rooted in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP's student wings. Joining the RSS at the tender age of 13, Chouhan's proximity to the organisation's top brass is well-established.
His parliamentary career commenced in 1991, and he secured consecutive victories in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2004. During his tenure, Chouhan served on various committees, including the Consultative Committee, Ministry of Communications, and the Committee on Agriculture.
His role as the National General Secretary of the BJP, Secretary of the Parliamentary Board, and Secretary (Central Election Committee) underscore his multifaceted contributions.
In 2005, Chouhan assumed the mantle of BJP Madhya Pradesh's State President. The same year marked his ascension to the position of Madhya Pradesh's Chief Minister, a post he held until 2018.
His return to power in March 2020 followed the collapse of the Kamal Nath-led Congress government, propelled by defections within the party ranks.
But even with speculations abound, the final decision regarding Shivraj Singh Chouhan's Lok Sabha candidacy rests with the BJP's high command, sources told Network18.
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