Shivraj Singh Chouhan frontrunner to lead BJP

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has emerged as the strongest contender to replace the incumbent Jagat Prakash Nadda as the next president of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

- ABHINANDAN MISHRA

Known for his calm demeanour, political acumen, and exceptional media management skills, Chouhan's name has reportedly been endorsed by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and several quarters of the BJP.

Sources said that with a political career spanning over three decades, Chouhan has proven to be capable of handling complex challenges with a "resume" that is unmatched in comparison to any other leader whose name is being considered and pushed by their supporters for the said post.

The 65-year-old Chouhan, born in the small village of Jait, near Sehore in Madhya Pradesh, joined the RSS as a 13-year-old in 1972, laying the foundation for his future political career. His rise within the RSS ranks and then the BJP, combined with his impressive academic background-he holds a Master's degree in philosophy his well-wishers say, makes him a natural fit to lead the BJP, which is expected to witness significant political changes and challenges in the coming years.

The six-time MP and fourtime Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh led the state for nearly 18 years, making him the longest-serving CM of the state, a testament not just to his political experience but his acumen, which allowed him to survive and prosper while facing internal challenges from multiple quarters, most of which were sidelined gradually and smoothly by Chouhan.

In addition to his Constitutional experience, Chouhan has held several key positions within the BJP's organizational structure. From 2000 to 2002, he served as the National President of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the youth wing of the party. Between 2019 and 2020, he served as the BJP's National Vice President, further enhancing his profile at the national level.