The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislature party on Monday chose Mohan Yadav as Madhya Pradesh’s new chief minister, replacing longtime incumbent Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Yadav, 58, the seasoned lawmaker from Ujjain South, garnered unanimous support from BJP MLAs at the ceremony where he touched Chouhan’s feet in a show of reverence.
With a doctorate and strong RSS roots, the Other Backward Class (OBC) leader boasts experience chairing key bodies like the state tourism board. He earlier served as education minister under Chouhan.
Insiders described Yadav as an administrative veteran well-versed in governance intricacies at both state and grassroots levels.
His elevation signals the BJP leadership grooming an OBC face with elections looming in 2024. The move allows smooth leadership change while upholding party unity.
Chouhan, the longest-serving BJP chief minister, provided stable governance through multiple terms after 2003. He now passes the baton on to his trusted cabinet colleague Yadav.
As an RSS loyalist, educationist, and ex-minister, Yadav checks many boxes for the party. His initial blessing by Chouhan sets the right optics, upholding the latter’s stature despite the shuffle.
#WATCH | BJP leaders including Shivraj Singh Chouhan, congratulate party leader Mohan Yadav after he was named as the new Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh pic.twitter.com/xzC6aXceBZ
— ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2023
The transition comes when the BJP desires consolidation after recent electoral setbacks. With strong organizational skills and deep local connections, Yadav seems the ideal CM pick to regain support in the run-up to 2024.
