Shivraj Singh Chouhan's Rising Influence; PM Modi Assigns This Key Responsibility, See Details

Former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and the current Union Agriculture Minister in Prime Minister Modi's cabinet, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has been entrusted with a significant new role. The central government announced the reconstitution of NITI Aayog. In this reorganised body, Shivraj Singh Chouhan has been appointed as an ex-officio member.

Key Figures in the New NITI Aayog

Alongside Chouhan, other prominent leaders have also been named ex-officio members of the NITI Aayog. These include Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, highlighting the strategic importance of this think tank.

Shivraj's Growing Influence in the Central Government

Shivraj Singh Chouhan's rise at the central level marks a significant development. Despite his party's overwhelming success in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly Elections 2023, where he was surprisingly not reinstated as Chief Minister in favor of Mohan Yadav, Chouhan's political career continues to ascend. 

Recognizing his contributions to the BJP's victories in both the assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh, the party leadership has rewarded him with substantial responsibilities. Initially, Chouhan was inducted into the Modi cabinet with two major portfolios: Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Minister of Rural Development. His inclusion in the NITI Aayog further underscores his increasing stature.

The New Composition of NITI Aayog

The newly constituted NITI Aayog, often referred to as the think tank of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, comprises four ex-officio members and eleven special invitees. This diverse team includes not only key BJP leaders but also representatives from allied parties. 

Among the special invitees are BJP leaders Nitin Gadkari and JP Nadda. Additionally, leaders from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) such as HD Kumaraswamy, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Rajiv Ranjan, Virendra Kumar, Ram Mohan Naidu, Jual Oram, Annapurna Devi, Chirag Paswan, and Rao Indrajit Singh have also been included.

Understanding NITI Aayog

NITI Aayog, which stands for the National Institution for Transforming India, was established in 2015 following a proposal passed by the Union Cabinet. It functions as a pivotal advisory body to the central government, providing strategic insights on various programs and policies. 

NITI Aayog plays a crucial role in facilitating the implementation of these initiatives across both central and state governments. Additionally, it periodically advises union territories.

The NITI Aayog is chaired by the Prime Minister and offers a collaborative platform for all states to work together in the nation's service. Its primary objective is to ensure a cohesive and unified approach to national development, promoting synergy between different levels of government.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan's appointment to the NITI Aayog signifies his rising prominence within the central government and his continued influence in shaping India's agricultural and rural development policies.