Shivraj Singh Chouhan fest on 11 years as CM stirs row in BJP

Bhopal: Riding high on the “unexpected” victory in the recent byelections in Shahdol (ST) Lok Sabha constituency in Madhya Pradesh celebration to mark his 11-year-rule in the state.

The extravaganza, however, raised many eyebrows in the ruling BJP circle here with a section of leaders questioning the chief minister’s decision to celebrate the “personal milestone” instead of projecting the event as 14-year-rule of BJP to give further boost to party’s image.

Mr Chouhan, who replaced Babulal Gaur as chief minister on November 29, 2005, had led the party to victory in two successive assembly polls in 2008 and 2013.

“Why it is a celebration of 11-year-rule of Mr Chouhan and why not 14-year-rule of BJP in the state? The decision to commemorate his milestone rather than that of the party clearly indicates that Mr Chouhan has announced his consolidation in the party as a regional satrap,” a senior BJP leader said requesting anonimity. However, state BJP president Nand Kumar Singh Chouhan backed the chief minister.

“The tenures of other ministers were too short to highlight achievement of the BJP government in MP. The 11-year-rule of Mr Chouhan has ushered in rapid development in the state,” he told the media.