Shivraj Singh Chouhan, a prominent figure in Madhya Pradesh politics, has served multiple terms as Chief Minister. His journey, from his early involvement with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh to his extensive career in parliament and state government, is a testament to his political prowess and enduring influence.

Biography/Wiki

Born on March 5, 1959, in Sehore district’s Jait village, Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan hails from a Kirar family. His father, Shri Prem Singh Chouhan, was a farmer, a profession Shivraj also initially pursued. He excelled academically, culminating in a gold medal in Philosophy from Barkatullah University, Bhopal. His early involvement in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1972, at the age of 13, marked the beginning of his journey into public life. He actively participated in the anti-Emergency movement in 1976 and quickly rose through the ranks of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), serving as Organizing Secretary, Joint Secretary, and finally, General Secretary.

Family

Chouhan’s family includes his parents, Shri Prem Singh Chouhan and Smt. Sundarbai Chouhan, and two younger brothers: Narendra Singh Chouhan and Surjit Singh Chouhan (also a politician). He married Sadhna Singh Chouhan in 1992. The couple has two sons, Kartikey Chouhan (a lawyer and founder of Sunder Dairy) and Kunal Chouhan, and an adopted daughter, Rinky.

Career

Chouhan’s political career began with the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), where he served as Joint Secretary, General Secretary, and eventually President. His electoral success started with winning the Budni constituency assembly election in 1990.

He transitioned to the Lok Sabha, representing the Vidisha constituency for five consecutive terms (1991-2004). Despite an unsuccessful bid for Chief Minister in 2003 against Digvijaya Singh, he was appointed Chief Minister on November 30, 2005, after winning the Budhni by-election. He secured consecutive victories in the 2008 and 2013 state assembly elections, further cementing his position. His return as Chief Minister in March 2020 followed Kamal Nath’s resignation. His most recent electoral triumph came in the 2023 Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections, where he retained his Budhni seat by a considerable margin. He also won the 2024 Lok Sabha election from the Vidisha seat.

Controversies

Chouhan’s career has also faced controversies. A “Dumper Scam” involving his wife faced scrutiny, though they were eventually cleared. Criticism arose from his comments regarding employment preferences in the state in 2009. His involvement in the Vyapam scam also drew significant media attention, though he was ultimately given a clean chit by the CBI. Another controversy involved an incident in 2018 where he slapped a young man.

Awards/Honours

Chouhan’s achievements have been recognized through various awards, including the United Nations Public Service Award in 2012 and the Suryoday Manavta Seva Sanman in 2016.

Salary/Net Worth

His monthly salary and allowances amount to ?2,00,000. In 2013, his net worth was estimated at around ?6 crore.

Facts/Trivia

• Professionally an agriculturist.
• Childhood hobby of swimming in the Narmada River.
• Demonstrated leadership at age 9 by advocating for agricultural laborers.
• Imprisoned during the 1976-77 Emergency.
• Awarded the Krishi Karman award for high wheat production.
• Recipient of the NDTV Indian of the Year award.
• Known as “Mr. Clean” but faced controversies later.
• Admires Narendra Modi.
• Known for his actions following a viral video of an assault.
• Named his new bungalow “Mama ka Ghar” in 2024.

Educational Background

Here’s a summary of his education: