Shivraj Singh Chouhan achieves historic victory in Vidisha, defeats Congress opponent by 8 lakh votes

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is poised to become a Member of Parliament (MP) for the sixth time after achieving a resounding victory in the Vidisha Lok Sabha seat. Chouhan attributed his win to the people, stating it was the “victory of your love.”

Chouhan’s triumph in the Lok Sabha election from Madhya Pradesh’s Vidisha constituency is by a substantial margin of 8,20,000 votes. He defeated seasoned Congress leader and two-time MP Pratap Bhanu Sharma. Sharma had previously won the Vidisha seat in the 1980 and 1984 general elections.

Other than Chouhan, the party has performed exceptionally well in the state by securing victory in all the 29 Lok Sabha constituencies. The party has been managing to secure victory in 28 seats for the last two Lok Sabha polls but this time, what is called as the bastion of the Congress under Kamal Nath, Chhindwara, has also been breached successfully.

Notably, it was Chouhan who pledged to get 29/29 seats in MP and gift it to PM Modi after he resigned from the post of Chief Minister.

According to the Election Commission, Chouhan maintained a lead of over 8,00,000 votes against his Congress rival Pratap Bhanu Sharma. Chouhan amassed 1,116,460 votes, while Sharma received 2,95,052 votes. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate, Kishan Lal Ladiya, was third, securing 10,816 votes.

Chouhan expressed his gratitude in a statement, saying, “This election was yours, and you fought it with great enthusiasm. The victory figures reflect your immense blessings and unwavering faith. The people of the country have expressed their trust in the government led by Prime Minister @narendramodi ji for the third consecutive time. The people of Madhya Pradesh have also presented a garland of 29 lotus flowers to the honourable Prime Minister. I pay my heartfelt tribute to this love of the people.”

Popularly known as ‘mamaji‘ (uncle) by his supporters, Chouhan served as Chief Minister from 2005 until December 2023. His welfare programs, particularly the Laadli Laxmi Yojana, were pivotal in the BJP’s victories in the 2008, 2013, and 2023 elections.

Chouhan is also an MLA from Budhni, a seat he has represented since 2006. He was succeeded by Mohan Yadav after the BJP achieved a decisive victory in the last assembly elections, winning 163 out of 230 seats.

Detailed Political Journey

Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s political career began in the early 1990s with his connection to the Vidisha constituency. After a tenure as a member of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Chouhan contested the 1991 Lok Sabha elections from Vidisha, winning despite significant political challenges. This victory marked the start of his long-standing relationship with Vidisha.

Chouhan’s success in Vidisha was consistent. He was re-elected in the 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2004 general elections, solidifying his popularity and the trust of the Vidisha electorate. Each victory reinforced his status as a key figure in the BJP and the region.

Contributions and Initiatives

During his tenure as an MP from Vidisha, Chouhan spearheaded numerous development projects, focusing on agriculture, infrastructure, and social welfare:

Agricultural Development: Chouhan prioritised enhancing agricultural productivity, improving irrigation, and supporting farmers with subsidies and training programs.

Infrastructure Projects: Under his leadership, Vidisha saw improvements in road connectivity, rural electrification, and healthcare facilities. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, aimed at enhancing rural roads, was actively implemented.

Social Welfare Programs: Chouhan championed initiatives like the Ladli Laxmi Yojana, aimed at uplifting the status of girl children, alongside various health and education programs benefiting the rural population.

Transition to State Politics

In 2005, Chouhan transitioned to state politics, becoming the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. He maintained his influence in Vidisha, continuing to oversee development projects. As Chief Minister, he led Madhya Pradesh through significant economic growth, infrastructure development, and improved law and order.

Chouhan faced challenges from the Indian National Congress (INC), which fielded strong candidates against him in various elections. Prominent Congress leaders like Digvijaya Singh and Jyotiraditya Scindia, although unsuccessful in Vidisha, posed significant political opposition at the state level.

In the latest Lok Sabha elections, Chouhan focused on state politics, allowing a new BJP candidate to contest in Vidisha. Chouhan’s legacy and developmental efforts helped the BJP candidate secure the seat, reflecting Vidisha’s continued trust in the BJP and Chouhan’s leadership.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s political journey, from the Vidisha Lok Sabha seat to the Chief Minister’s office, showcases his leadership, vision, and deep connection with the people of Madhya Pradesh.

His tenure as an MP was marked by significant developmental initiatives, leaving a lasting impact on Vidisha. Despite political challenges, Chouhan’s enduring legacy continues to shape the political landscape of the region.