Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, affectionately known as "Mama" by his supporters, has bestowed a special name upon his recently acquired residence as a tribute to his followers. The new abode has been christened 'Mama ka Ghar,' translating to 'maternal uncle's home.' Despite relinquishing the top position in the state and passing the leadership to Mohan Yadav, the 65-year-old BJP MLA from Budhni continues to hold a special place in the hearts of his supporters as both a brother and uncle.
Chouhan, who holds the distinction of being the longest-serving chief minister of the state, embarked on his third term in December 2013 and later assumed office as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh for the fourth time in March 2020.
In a heartfelt message to his followers on X, Chouhan conveyed, "The address has changed, but 'Mama's house' is still Mama's house. I will remain connected to you like a brother and uncle. The doors of my house will always be open for you." He invited his supporters to visit whenever they missed him or needed him, emphasizing that the residence was indeed their uncle and brother's home.
Despite stepping down from the Chief Minister's chair, Chouhan maintains his role as a "mama" to the people of Madhya Pradesh. In the 2023 Assembly elections, he secured victory against his Congress rival Vikram Mastal Sharma by a substantial margin of 1,04,974 votes from the Budhni constituency. The BJP's success in winning 163 seats out of the 230-member Assembly showcased their ability to overcome anti-incumbency sentiments in Madhya Pradesh.
Following the election results and the appointment of Mohan Yadav as the new Chief Minister, Chouhan updated his X bio to 'bhai aur mama' (brother and maternal uncle), signifying the enduring significance of these familial roles. He expressed, "The position of uncle and brother is bigger than any other position in the world. There is nothing over it."
Chouhan's women-centric schemes, coupled with the strategies of Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, are credited with contributing to the BJP's success in the state, effectively mitigating any anti-incumbency sentiment.