Shivraj Singh Chouhan (ANI image)
NEW DELHI: Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday sidestepped questions about the possibility of him becoming the next BJP president, saying his focus in entirely on boosting agricultural production and improving farmers’ income.When asked about his reported meeting with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in New Delhi over the past weekend sparking speculation about a potential BJP president candidacy, Chouhan reiterated that he was focused on his ministerial duties, news agency PTI reported.”I want to say one thing — Prime Minister Narendra Modi has entrusted me with the responsibility of looking after ministries of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development. At this moment, agriculture is in every pore of my body and farmers are in my breath,” Chouhan said.He added that, like the eyes of a bird, he had only one goal: to increase agricultural production, boost farmers’ income, develop rural areas and create more Lakhpati Didis.A Lakhpati Didi refers to a member of a self-help group (SHG) whose household earns over Rs 1 lakh annually.When pressed further about the BJP president post, Chouhan said, “Neither have I ever thought of it, nor has anyone told me. I can’t even think of it. I am the Agriculture and Rural Development Minister. I am doing this work like worship. Serving farmers is worship of God for me and I want to keep doing this worship.”Chouhan, 66, a prominent OBC leader, has served as chief minister of Madhya Pradesh four times and is known for his strong grassroots connect. After leading the BJP to a decisive victory in the November 2023 Madhya Pradesh assembly elections, he resigned from the state assembly and won the 2024 Lok Sabha polls from Vidisha, subsequently joining Prime Minister Modi’s third-term Cabinet.The three-year term of the current BJP president, JP Nadda, had ended around two years ago. His tenure was extended later.
