'Confident of BJP making a clean sweep in MP'

After having just concluded nearly 300 rallies and roadshows in Madhya Pradesh (MP), Chief Minister MOHAN YADAV is tasked by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to campaign for candidates in other states, too. Retiring for the day after holding rallies in Bundelkhand and Delhi recently, Yadav over a dinner interview with Nitin Kumar at Madhya Pradesh Bhavan in New Delhi says that his party would secure a clean sweep in MP and also achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi's target of "400 paar". He also outlines his vision for MP's development. Edited excerpts:

The 2024 Lok Sabha election is the first political battle under your leadership in the state. The BJP won 28 of 29 seats in MP in the 2019 polls.

What's the target this time, and what's your strategy to achieve it? In 2014, we secured 27 seats, and in 2019, our tally rose to 28, demonstrating the strengthening of our party's roots with each election. This time, our efforts have been even more vigorous and we are confident of making a clean sweep in MP. We are highlighting our development work accomplished at both central and state levels, ranging from job creation, education, and skill development to curbing corruption, and even making scientific advancements, including India's space a missions. We've also S effectively conveyed the S importance Sof electing a candidate from the grassroots for the only seat-Chhindwara ―that remained out of our reach in 2019.

An individual and his family shouldn't hold onto a seat forever. (Congress leader) Kamal Nath secured victory in Chhindwara nine times, while his wife and son each won once. This era isn't e about monarchy, it' about the common people's choice. We have shattered this narrative: This message has been well-received by the electorate, and we appreciate their support.

The PM has set a target of "400 paar" this time.

Is it possible? Besides campaigning for BJP candidates in MP, I am campaigning for our candidates in other states.

With the strong support that I see for the PM and the work done by the BJP over the past 10 years, I am confident that we will achieve the target of "400 paar".

Since taking up the reins in December, what has been your strategy for ensuring the BJP's success in the 2024 election and beyond?