‘If Mamaji Isn’t Important, Why Do They…’ Shivraj Chouhan Clears Air on CM Ambition, Poll Freebies | Exclusive – News18

It has been 18 years but there is no stopping Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The Madhya Pradesh chief minister, known fondly as ‘Mamaji’, is fighting back to make a mark in the poll-bound state. While there is some speculation over his future role in case BJP wins, Chouhan himself is banking on his women supporters to bail him out. Speaking exclusively to News18, the chief minister discussed allegations of distributing freebies, rival Digvijaya Singh’s dig and his future plans.

Edited excerpts:

Do you think women will help you win this time?

The ‘Ladli Behna’ scheme or ‘Ladli Laxmi Yojana’ were never started with polls in mind. I wanted to change the perception that women are a burden. I wanted them to be economically powerful and empowered. It’s a great feeling to know that girls whom I looked after as toddlers are now studying in colleges. MP was the first state to give 50 per cent reservation to women in panchayats.

But what about you being accused of handing out freebies?

We have increased the per capita income of Madhya Pradesh and not reduced but increased the capital expenditure. We have built roads and metros. I want to ask [Congress leader] Kamal Nath why he stopped schemes for adivasis (tribals), women and even laptop distribution to girls? I began ‘kanya vivah’ which he stopped.

What do you make of Digvijaya Singh’s comment on your ‘Kanya Pujan’ being a ‘nautanki’ [drama]?

I am hurt. Why does everything have to be politicised? This is Sanatan Sanskriti. I do puja daily and it’s a message to society that if the chief minister respects women, you should too. For Digvijaya Singh, Sanatan Sanskriti is nautanki? I want to change this mindset and remind him that he is the one who called women ‘tanch maal’.

Why did you say you will not contest polls?

I just asked people whether I should contest elections. There was no other meaning behind it.

Would you want to be the chief minister again?

We all are part of a larger mission — to show the world that we are a great nation. Who is what is not important. The party will decide.

Congress alleges that the BJP has neglected you. Is there anti-incumbency? Are you tired?

Look at their language. Why don’t they have the courage to say openly why they did not give tickets to their hopefuls?

Opposition says party is not naming you as chief ministerial face or giving you importance.

If that is the case, why do they keep tweeting using my name? If ‘Mamaji’ is not important, then why use my name? There must be something in me, right?