Madhya Pradesh BJP Unit Rocked by Rift Amid Shivraj Singh Chouhan's Twin Remarks
The Madhya Pradesh BJP unit is facing a rift amid twin remarks from former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, sparking speculation about Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's leadership.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan's Sharp Rebuke and Soft Reminder
Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan made two statements on Sunday that have heated up the state's politics and fueled speculation about a rift within the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The first statement was a sharp rebuke of the State government over the demolition of houses of 12 tribal families and destruction of their crops at Kosmi village in Vidisha, his Lok Sabha constituency.
Mr. Chouhan, now Union Agriculture Minister, sharply criticised the State government, saying, 'The Chief Minister has continued this scheme and every government will have to keep it going. Sabko pata hai ki behenein gussa ho gayi toh phir khair nahi hai [Everybody knows that if sisters get angry, you are done for].'
He then sought a response from the women in the gathering on how much they wanted the allowance to be raised. 'Yes, ₹3,000. It will increase gradually. Brothers, don’t be troubled, let the sisters move ahead. This is a campaign to change lives. Thanks to the Chief Minister too,' he said.
Reports of Differences Between Chief Minister and Senior Party Leaders
Reports of differences between Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and other senior party leaders, including Cabinet Ministers and State BJP president Hemant Khandelwal, have surfaced frequently during his almost three-year tenure.
Senior BJP leader in Bhopal explained, 'Shivrajji is well aware of the current power dynamic in the State BJP and that resentment is rising against the man who replaced him [Mr. Yadav]. So, his statements could be a calculated move to put his weight behind that resentment and add to the Chief Minister’s pressure.'
Mr. Chouhan has often intervened in matters concerning tribal people and women in the past, and his remarks have been seen as a message of his discontent with his successor’s administration.
Opposition Congress Links Kosmi Incident to Power Tussle
The Opposition Congress has linked the Kosmi incident directly to a 'power tussle'. 'This action, taking place on the orders of those in power, is a new chapter in the open conflict brewing between the Chief Ministers of the BJP. The former Chief Minister had already instructed the district administration and Forest Department not to take any action. Despite this, the homes of the poor have been torn down,' State unit chief Jitu Patwari said.
'The poor tribals will not pay the price for the internal strife and tug-of-war within the Madhya Pradesh BJP,' he said.
Published - October 14, 2026 01:44 am IST
