Shivraj Singh Chouhan chair remark creates stir

Bhopal: A comment by Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan that “My chair is vacant now and anyone can occupy it,” has caused a ripple in political circle here.

However, the chief minister on Thursday came out with clarification that he had made it in a lighthearted manner when the Opposition Congress attributed his “sensational” remarks to his frustrations over “imminence” of losing his post.

The chief minister, while participating in a programme of happiness department of the state government here on Wednesday said, “I am now leaving. My chair is vacant now and anyone can occupy the chair”.

He had left the meeting in the middle after giving the speech.

“Now, the chief minister has begun to realize that the BJP is going to lose power in the upcoming assembly elections in the state (due in November this year). His comments reflect his frustration over prospects of losing his post,” newly appointed MP Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Kamal Nath said on Thursday.

BJP has described the reaction by Congress as “storm in a teacup.”

The chief minister, meanwhile, took a jibe at the PCC chief for “relishing” his comment that he had made it in a lighthearted manner.

“I cracked a joke (while talking on happiness at the programme). I am pleased to learn that my remarks have made some people happy,” he tweeted on Thursday.

“Some people are seen only in the poll time. Rest of years; they leave in their Tuglaki palace,” Mr Chouhan observed.