Explain Shivraj Singh Chauhan in 500 words
Shivraj Singh Chouhan is an Indian politician and a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He has served as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh for three consecutive terms, making him one of the longest-serving Chief Ministers in the history of the state.
Born on March 5, 1959, in Jait village of Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh, Chouhan comes from a humble background. His father, Prem Singh Chouhan, was a farmer, and his mother, Sundar Bai Chouhan, was a housewife. Chouhan completed his schooling in his hometown and later graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Barkatullah University, Bhopal.
Chouhan's political journey began in his college days when he joined the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh). He actively participated in various student movements and rose through the ranks of the ABVP. His dedication and leadership skills helped him gain prominence within the organization.
In 1990, Chouhan was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Budhni constituency in Madhya Pradesh. He quickly made a mark as an efficient and hardworking legislator. His commitment to the welfare of farmers and rural development earned him accolades from his constituents.
Chouhan's rise within the BJP was steady and consistent. He held several key positions within the party, including the General Secretary and the President of the Madhya Pradesh BJP unit. In 2005, he was appointed as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, succeeding Babulal Gaur. Chouhan's leadership skills and his focus on development and good governance helped him win the trust of the people.
During his tenure as Chief Minister, Chouhan implemented various welfare schemes and developmental initiatives. He launched the "Ladli Laxmi Yojana," a scheme aimed at improving the status and well-being of the girl child. Under this scheme, financial assistance is provided to families on the birth of a girl child and further support is given for her education and marriage.
Chouhan also initiated the "Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana" to address the issue of low crop prices. This scheme ensures that farmers receive the minimum support price for their agricultural produce, irrespective of market fluctuations. He also focused on irrigation projects, rural electrification, and infrastructure development, which significantly improved the lives of people in rural areas.
Chouhan's tenure as Chief Minister was not without challenges. He faced criticism for his handling of the 2016-17 farmers' protests in the state, where farmers demanded better prices for their crops and loan waivers. However, Chouhan took swift action to address their concerns and implemented several measures to alleviate the distress faced by farmers.
In 2020, Chouhan was once again appointed as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh after the resignation of Kamal Nath. He has continued to work towards the development of the state and the welfare of its people.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan is known for his simplicity, integrity, and dedication to public service. His leadership has played a crucial role in transforming Madhya Pradesh into one of the fastest-growing states in India. His commitment to the welfare of farmers and his focus on inclusive development have earned him respect and admiration from people across the political spectrum.