Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently convened a crucial meeting at his residence in Bhopal to discuss preparations for the Budhni assembly by-election. However, the absence of two close allies—former Forest Development Corporation Chairman Guru Prasad Sharma and former MP Warehousing Corporation Chairman Rajendra Singh Rajput—sparked speculation about internal dissent. Both leaders were considered strong contenders for the BJP ticket from Budhni, making their non-attendance particularly notable.
Sharma and Rajput had been included in the panel
Sharma and Rajput had been included in the panel sent by the BJP State Election Management Committee to Delhi as potential candidates for the Budhni seat. Kartikey Singh Chouhan, the Union Minister's son, was also on the list. Although Kartikey Singh did not receive the nomination, he publicly declared his support for the party’s chosen candidate, Ramakant Bhargava, stating that he is actively campaigning for him and even referring to Bhargava as a father figure.
Despite Kartikey Singh’s support, the absence of Sharma and Rajput raised questions about the unity within the BJP’s camp. The meeting, held at Chouhan's official bungalow in Bhopal, was attended by Sehore district’s in-charge minister Krishna Gaur, Sehore district BJP president Ravi Malviya, former minister Rampal Singh, and others. During the meeting, the party mapped out its strategy for the by-election.
Nomination Plans Set for October 25
Ramankant Bhargava, the BJP candidate for Budhni, is set to file his nomination on October 25. The nomination process will be marked by a significant show of force, with Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and BJP State President VD Sharma expected to attend. A roadshow and a large public meeting are planned for the day, demonstrating the party’s commitment to the seat.
Confidence in Victory
Shivraj expressed confidence in the BJP’s prospects, declaring that both the party and its workers are fully prepared for the by-election. He noted that Ramakant Bhargava had visited the Salkanpur temple to seek blessings from Maa Vijayasan Devi, and that a comprehensive election strategy has been formulated.
Shivraj predicted not only a landslide victory for Bhargava in Budhni but also success in the Vijaypur constituency, where BJP candidate Ramniwas Rawat is contesting. "We will win both Budhni and Vijaypur with huge margins," he asserted.
Criticism of the INDIA Alliance
Shivraj also used the occasion to criticize the opposition’s INDIA alliance, labeling it as a coalition held together by opportunism rather than shared ideology. He dismissed the alliance as being built on "selfish interests" and claimed it lacks cohesion, remarking that its members are united only in their opposition to Modi and the BJP.
In contrast, Shivraj praised the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP and Modi, as a well-organized and goal-oriented coalition. He noted that seat-sharing agreements with allies in states like Jharkhand had been finalized, and that the BJP is working alongside its allies for the betterment of the country. The minister ended his remarks by asserting that the BJP is fighting the elections on a united front and is focused on building a proud and glorious India.
With high stakes in the Budhni by-election and speculation about internal party dynamics, all eyes are on the BJP as it prepares for the contest. Whether the absence of key leaders will impact the party’s campaign remains to be seen.
(Prakash Kumar Pandey)
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