BHOPAL: Fervent supporters gathered outside the swearing-in ceremony of the new Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Mohan Yadav, as they bid farewell to the outgoing CM, Shivraj Singh Chouhan. As Chouhan departed the ceremony, chants of โMama ji hum tumhare saath nahi chhorenge (Mamaji we wonโt leave your side)โ echoed through the crowd, expressing deep sorrow at the end of his 18-year tenure.
Chouhan, affectionately known as Mamaji, had endeared himself to the people of Madhya Pradesh through his welfare schemes, notably the โLadli Behna Yojna,โ which provided a financial aid of Rs 1,250 to women in the state. His significant influence was reflected in his recent victory, securing the seat with the second-highest vote margin of nearly 1.04 lakh votes.
FLASH: Outside the swearing-in venue, BJP supporters bring #ShivrajSinghChouhanโs convoy to a halt.
A sizable crowd assembled to meet the leader. Echoes of โMama Mamaโ filled the air as women and youth gather to greet Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Reports: @rohanduaT02
Visuals:โฆ pic.twitter.com/rb0Rc7HAxeโ The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) December 13, 2023
The scene outside the venue was poignant, with supporters blocking Chouhanโs convoy, showering him with hugs and holding onto his hands as he tried to enter his car. The chants of โMama-Mama,โ are a testament to the profound impact he had on the lives of the people, especially women.
ALSO READ: Madhya Pradesh election 2023 result LIVE: Shivraj secures state for BJP, Congress faces rout
A viral video from his residence, on Tuesday, as he resigned from his post depicted distraught women imploring him not to leave. In response, Chouhan assured them, โMain bhi kahan jaa raha hoon, main bhi nahi chhodunga (I am not going either, I will also not leave),โ signifying the strong bond he shares with the people.
View this post on Instagram
Chouhanโs departure marks the end of an era, not just as a leader from the Atal-Advani era but as a significant figure who once rivalled Narendra Modi for the partyโs prime ministerial face. Despite the changing political landscape, Chouhanโs achievements and popularity have left an indelible mark on Madhya Pradesh.
In a transition, Mohan Yadav took the oath as the new Chief Minister in the presence of dignitaries, including PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra CM Ekhnath Shinde, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, BJP Chief J P Nadda, and other prominent BJP and NDA officials.
