Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently hosted a key meeting at his Bhopal residence to discuss the BJP’s preparations for the Budhni assembly by-election. Notably absent were two prominent figures—former Forest Development Corporation Chairman Guru Prasad Sharma and former MP Warehousing Corporation Chairman Rajendra Singh Rajput. Their absence sparked speculation about possible internal dissent within the party. Both leaders had been viewed as strong contenders for the BJP ticket, making their non-attendance a point of interest.
Sharma and Rajput had been included in a panel sent by the BJP State Election Management Committee to Delhi as potential candidates for the Budhni seat. The panel also featured Kartikey Singh Chouhan, Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s son. Though Kartikey did not receive the nomination, he has publicly expressed his support for the party’s official candidate, Ramakant Bhargava. Kartikey emphasized his commitment to the campaign, even referring to Bhargava as a “father figure.”
Despite Kartikey Singh’s endorsement of Bhargava, the absence of Sharma and Rajput during the meeting raised questions about possible fractures within the party. The meeting, held at Chouhan’s official bungalow, was attended by other senior figures, including Sehore district in-charge minister Krishna Gaur, Sehore district BJP president Ravi Malviya, and former minister Rampal Singh. During the gathering, the party outlined its strategy for the upcoming by-election, focusing on unity and voter outreach.
The BJP’s candidate for Budhni, Ramakant Bhargava, is set to file his nomination papers on October 25. This will be accompanied by a major show of political force, with Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and BJP State President VD Sharma expected to be present. The event will feature a roadshow and a large public meeting, signaling the party’s full commitment to securing the Budhni seat.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed confidence in the BJP’s chances, asserting that the party is fully prepared for the election. He noted that Ramakant Bhargava had recently visited the Salkanpur temple to seek blessings from Maa Vijayasan Devi, a spiritual gesture that Chouhan believes will further energize the campaign. The party has also crafted a comprehensive strategy to ensure success.
Chouhan went beyond Budhni, predicting not only a win for Bhargava but also for BJP candidate Ramniwas Rawat in the Vijaypur constituency. “We will win both Budhni and Vijaypur with huge margins,” Chouhan declared, further bolstering his party’s morale ahead of the crucial by-election.
With the Budhni by-election looming and questions swirling about the unity of the BJP’s camp, the political spotlight remains focused on the party’s ability to maintain cohesion. The absence of Sharma and Rajput, both influential figures within the party, has fueled speculation about internal tensions. Whether these tensions will have any impact on the party’s performance in the by-election remains to be seen. However, with its leadership united behind Ramakant Bhargava, the BJP appears confident that it will secure a decisive victory in Budhni.
