Shivraj Singh Chouhan, a dominant figure in Madhya Pradesh politics, has recently re-emerged in the state’s political arena despite his active role in the central government. Currently a key player in Prime Minister Modi’s cabinet, where he manages vital departments like Agriculture and Rural Panchayat, circumstances surrounding the upcoming by-election for the Budhni assembly seat have compelled him to refocus on state politics. Chouhan, who held the Budhni seat for five consecutive terms, resigned, vacating the position, and for the first time since 2006, he will not be a candidate.
This by-election holds significance not only for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) but also for Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s political influence in Budhni. The BJP, fully aware of Shivraj’s popularity in the region, is expected to back a candidate closely associated with him in order to retain the constituency.
In the 2023 assembly elections, Shivraj won the Budhni seat by a margin of over one lakh votes, solidifying his dominance in the area. The BJP now faces the challenge of maintaining this stronghold in the upcoming by-election.
Given the stakes, there is widespread speculation that Kartikeya Singh Chouhan, Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s son, may contest the seat. This speculation is fueled by the belief that Kartikeya could be the natural successor to carry forward his father’s political legacy in Budhni.
If Kartikeya does enter the race, the BJP would be aiming to preserve Shivraj’s electoral record while simultaneously maintaining the party’s popularity in the region. With Shivraj Singh Chouhan not on the ballot, the stakes are even higher for the BJP, as any missteps could give the opposition, particularly the Congress, an opportunity to gain ground.
Among the leading contenders for the Budhni ticket is Ramakant Bhargava, a former Member of Parliament and a staunch supporter of Shivraj Singh Chouhan. In the last parliamentary elections, Bhargava was replaced by Chouhan in the Vidisha constituency, but he has continued to maintain strong ties within the BJP. Now, with his name being considered for the Budhni by-election, Bhargava’s prospects remain strong.
However, reports suggest that Bhargava may be willing to step aside to support Kartikeya Singh Chouhan’s candidacy, a move that would ensure internal party unity. Bhargava’s gesture of backing Kartikeya could further smooth the path for the younger Chouhan’s entry into state politics.
While Bhargava’s seniority and loyalty to the Chouhan family make him a top contender, his willingness to stand down underscores the delicate balance within the BJP’s internal dynamics.
That being said, other potential candidates, such as Guruprasad Sharma, also have strong credentials and cannot be overlooked. Sharma’s possible candidacy adds another layer of complexity to the BJP’s decision-making process.
Although Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s influence in Budhni is undeniable, the final decision on who will represent the BJP in the by-election lies with the party’s central leadership. If Kartikeya Singh Chouhan is selected, it could mark a pivotal moment, as the BJP will have to navigate concerns about political dynasties, a sensitive issue in politics. The party has traditionally distanced itself from nepotism, often accusing other political outfits, like Congress, of relying too heavily on family legacies. Choosing Kartikeya could invite criticism of double standards, not only in Madhya Pradesh but across the nation.
The central leadership must weigh several factors before making its decision. Kartikeya’s entry could cement the Chouhan family’s political future, especially in Budhni, where they have held sway for decades. However, it could also raise questions about dynastic politics within the BJP, potentially alienating voters who support the party’s stance against such practices.
The upcoming by-election is more than just a local contest for the Budhni assembly seat; it represents a larger test of Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s legacy and the BJP’s political strategy. A victory for Kartikeya Singh Chouhan would strengthen the family’s standing and could pave the way for a more prominent role for him in Madhya Pradesh politics. On the other hand, any missteps by the BJP—whether in candidate selection or campaign strategy—could fuel the opposition’s narrative of internal discord or accusations of hypocrisy.
As the BJP prepares for this critical by-election, all eyes will be on how the party balances maintaining Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s legacy, managing internal dynamics, and addressing public perception regarding nepotism. The decision will have far-reaching consequences, influencing not only the immediate future of Budhni but also shaping the political landscape in Madhya Pradesh and beyond.