Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and current Union Agriculture Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Tuesday graciously acknowledged that his successor, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, possesses greater dynamism and extended his best wishes for the state's progress. Chouhan's remarks came in response to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent comments praising Yadav's energetic governance.
Chouhan Responds to Amit Shah's Praise
Last Thursday, while inaugurating the Abhyudaya Madhya Pradesh Growth Summit in Gwalior, Amit Shah had noted that Mohan Yadav, who recently completed two years in office, "works with more energy" than the former long-serving chief minister. Shah credited Chouhan for removing the BIMARU tag from Madhya Pradesh but emphasized that Yadav's vigorous efforts would propel the state towards becoming developed.
When journalists in Bhopal asked Chouhan about this comparison on Tuesday, the veteran BJP leader responded with magnanimity. "He (Mohan Yadav) is working speedily. He has more energy than I do. His energy should increase so that he continues to work well. My best wishes for him," stated Chouhan, who served as the state's chief minister for nearly 17 years.
Sharp Criticism for Mamata Banerjee's Temple Push
Shifting focus to West Bengal, Chouhan launched a strong attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her administration's recent focus on temple projects. These include the Jagannath temple in Digha, the Durga Angan in New Town, Kolkata, and a proposed Mahakal temple in Siliguri.
"Jab chunao yaad aata hai, tab mandir yaad aate hain (when the elections approach, then temples are remembered)," Chouhan quipped, suggesting political motives behind the initiatives.
He elaborated, "I believe whether the construction of temples or any other religious activities is a matter of faith. When religious structures and places of worship are attacked, then they (opposition parties) remain silent. And when elections approach, they smear their heads with vermilion, recite the Hanuman Chalisa and the Durga Saptashati."
Defending the Vikasit Bharat G RAM G Act
The Union Minister also spoke at length about the central government's new Vikasit Bharat G RAM G Act, defending it against criticism. He argued that the previous MNREGA scheme had several loopholes, necessitating the overhaul.
"This is not the first time that a scheme has been reworked. The erstwhile Kaam Ke Badle Anaj scheme and the Jawahar Rojgar Yojana were also changed by the Congress govt," he said.
Chouhan highlighted key improvements in the new act:
- The number of guaranteed work days has increased from 100 to 125 days.
- The budgetary provision is proposed to rise to Rs 151,282 crore next fiscal year from the current year's Rs 88,000 crore.
- The Centre's contribution is slated to reach Rs 95,000 crore by 2026-27.
He also condemned the Punjab government's move to pass a resolution against the Act during a one-day special session. "The Act was passed in Parliament, and passing a resolution against it by a state is undemocratic, unconstitutional and a violation of the spirit of our federal structure," Chouhan asserted.
The day's comments underscore the ongoing political narratives around governance models, electoral strategies, and center-state relations as key figures position themselves on national issues.
