On Tuesday, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and seasoned BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a meeting with party president JP Nadda at his residence in Delhi, marking his first visit to the capital since resigning as the Chief Minister following the BJP's significant victory in last month's assembly polls. The discussions during the meeting, as conveyed by Chouhan, centered on national development, public welfare, and social service.
Chouhan's engagement with Nadda has spurred conjecture about his prospective role within the party leading up to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Addressing reporters after the meeting, Chouhan expressed his commitment as a party worker to undertake any role designated by the BJP, emphasizing the party's decisive role in determining whether he would be stationed in the state or at the Centre.
Highlighting the imminent first meeting of the state's legislature party in Bhopal, Chouhan indicated his prompt return, underscoring the importance of his presence at the event.
Amidst growing speculation, BJP sources hint at a significant responsibility for Chouhan, considering him for the position of the party's national vice-president. However, prospects of him assuming a Union Minister role in the limited time before the Lok Sabha election appear less likely. Sources also suggest the possibility of Chouhan being fielded from the Vidisha Lok Sabha seat in the upcoming general election, given his previous electoral successes in that constituency. Additionally, he may be assigned the role of in-charge for a state as part of the party's preparations for the forthcoming polls.
Reflecting on past instances, it is worth noting that in 2018, following the BJP's defeat in the Madhya Pradesh assembly polls, Chouhan assumed the position of national vice president and played a pivotal role in the party's membership campaign. The party is anticipated to seek his guidance regarding the formation of a new cabinet in Madhya Pradesh, following the recent appointment of Mohan Yadav as the new Chief Minister. Notably, Chouhan's expertise and political acumen may continue to shape the trajectory of the BJP in both state and national politics.
