Lok Sabha Polls: Chouhan Hits Campaign Trail with Train Travel from Bhopal to Ganjbasoda in MP

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and BJP Lok Sabha candidate Shivraj Singh Chouhan, known for his down-to-earth approach, on Thursday opted to travel by train in second-class compartment to his constituency, which he fondly terms his ”karmabhoomi” (workplace).

During his train journey from Bhopal to Ganjbasoda, part of the Vidisha constituency from where he is contesting, Chouhan engaged with fellow passengers, chatting with them about various issues and listening to their concerns.

“I have been travelling by train since I was an MP. My heart is full of happiness. I am going to Ganjbasoda, which is my ’karmabhoomi’ (workplace). I have family relations with the people and I am going there again to meet all of them,” Chouhan, accompanied by his wife Sadhna, told PTI on the train when asked that he was going to his constituency by rail after a long time.

Chouhan, 65, has entered the Lok Sabha poll arena after two decades and will contest his sixth parliamentary election from Vidisha. This seat was earlier held by BJP leaders Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1991) and Sushma Swaraj (2009 and 2014).

Chouhan’s home turf Budhni is part of Vidisha Lok Sabha seat, a BJP citadel which the Congress won only twice (1980 and 1984) since 1967. The Congress is yet to announce its candidate for the constituency.

Reflecting on his political journey, Chouhan reminisced about his humble beginnings as an MLA, his subsequent rise to become an MP, and his eventual tenure as Chief Minister for an impressive 18 years.

“…I have a dilon ka rishta (connection from heart) with the people of the state. Even if new areas are associated (with Vidisha), it makes no difference as people’s love and trust are with me. My life is dedicated to them only. There is no challenge,” asserted Chouhan.

He said that his role may have changed but people will not be left behind. ”The MP too will stay here. We are missionary workers, which means the BJP’s mission of redeveloping the nation, and we have decided to work for the party and the nation,” he said.

The mission is set by the party and they are working accordingly, Chouhan said.

“Whatever the party had made me, from MLA to MP and chief minister for 18 years, I have worked for the people day and night. Now, it has asked me to contest as an MP and I will do that to serve the people,” Chouhan said while travelling as a common man in the sleeper class of Bhopal-Bilaspur Passenger.

Despite his extensive experience in public service, he expressed humility and uncertainty about the outcome of his current electoral campaign.

He said that whenever he got an opportunity to work, he had worked for the empowerment of women and that’s why schemes like ‘Ladli Laxmi’ and ‘Ladli Behna’ were implemented.

”I will continue to do so again under the leadership of Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi Ji,” he said.

Political analysts believe that Chouhan’s decision to travel by train and connect with ordinary citizens underscores his commitment to grassroots politics and his willingness to engage directly with the people he serves.

Chouhan also launched a scathing criticism against the opposition INDIA bloc, insinuating that their coalition is not founded on shared principles but rather on a shared apprehension of facing corruption allegations.

Chouhan highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s strong anti-corruption stance as a stark departure from the alleged corrupt practices of the opposition.

“These dynastic, corrupt people with common interests are afraid of Modi ji who has said that he will neither indulge in corruption nor allow others to do it. (’na khaunga, na khane dunga’). Therefore, the bloc has disintegrated before taking shape,” he remarked.

He also took a swipe at Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, suggesting that it inadvertently prompted senior Congress members to switch allegiances to the BJP.

“His yatra turned into a ’Congress Chhodo Yatra’ (leave Congress yatra). I think his mental age is very low. He doesn’t understand the country, its people, traditions and values. He doesn’t know the politics of India and its people. That’s why Congress is disintegrating,” he said.

Chouhan further asserted that Gandhi’s actions are hastening the fragmentation of the Congress party, hinting that Gandhi is unintentionally realising Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of disbanding the party.

“…but Nehru ji (former PM Jawaharlal Nehru) did not listen to him. Now, Rahul Baba will fulfil this wish of Gandhi ji by finishing the party,” Chouhan quipped.