With the 2019 Lok Sabha polls nearing in, few constituencies will be seeing tall leaders from various parties locking horns to seal the fate of 1.3 billion Indians. Amethi, a bastion of the Congress, will be seeing union minister Smriti Irani crossing swords with Congress chief Rahul Gandhi. In another developing story, BJP might field ex-Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan in a gripping fight against another ex-CM of the state Digvijaya Singh. Congress had earlier named Digvijaya Singh as their candidate from Bhopal, a seat which has been a strong BJP fort since 1989.
Both Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Digvijaya Singh, tall leaders from Madhya Pradesh, are considered to be critical for the functioning of their respective parties and have contributed to their growth in the state. Close scrutiny of their past performances and current political positions speak lengths about the fight which Bhopal might see on 12th May, when it goes to polls in the 6th phase of the 7 phase 2019 general elections.
Strengths:
With the recent debacle in the 2018 assembly elections, where BJP lost marginally to the Congress, Shivraj Singh Chouhan despite a hitch still remains a face, which is trusted by many in MP. Credible government schemes and their implementation has been Shivraj Singh’s forte during his tenure as the CM. Shivraj Singh’s efforts saw the state becoming a pioneer in women empowerment, with its Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, E-Laxmi and a number of other schemes. Shivraj Singh’s efforts, widely appreciated, have helped millions of women and girls in MP to realize their true potential and be part of Madhya Pradesh’s changing landscape. A brilliant administrative record to show for, Shivraj Singh Chouhan still remains a popular face, not only in Madhya Pradesh but the whole of India.
Dijvijaya Singh, Rajya Sabha member from Madhya Pradesh, still remains one of the most recognizable faces in MP politics. Digvijaya Singh was the CM of Madhya Pradesh from 1993 to 2003. Under his tenure, Madhya Pradesh saw efforts towards decentralization of power from the state capital to village panchayat. With decades of experience in Madhya Pradesh politics, Digvijaya Singh still remains popular among a section of voters in Madhya Pradesh. Digvijaya Singh also has the experience of being a member of various committees of the Congress party, under which important party decisions are taken.
Weakness:
Many have termed Shivraj Singh’s efforts for the empowerment of women, children and youth as ‘populist’, however concrete data exists to clear the air. His image as a populist leader has not gone down well with a few and ultimately led to election altering miscalculations in the 2018 assembly elections.
Digvijaya Singh has been a part of his fair share of controversies. On a number of occasions, Digvijaya Singh has been snubbed by the Congress party over his remarks on different critical issues. Digvijaya Singh is a man who prefers to speak his mind in an open fashion. His insensitive comments over 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, 2008 Batla House encounter and ‘hindu terror’ saw widespread criticism, with the Congress party distancing itself from his views. His tenure as the CM of Madhya Pradesh also did not see any major developments happening in the state. Digvijaya Singh with his anti-India, anti-Hindu image, has also been pointed out for his choice of words for designated terrorists. Digvijay Singh has also been facing resistance from inside the party.
Opportunity:
Shivraj Singh Chouhan comes back to the national politics with conviction to prove that he still remains one of the most popular faces of BJP in the political arena of Madhya Pradesh. The 2019 general elections also provide Shivraj Singh an opportunity to redeem his position after the hair-thin debacle in the 2018 assembly elections. With his work in Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan is expected to take on important portfolios in the union government post elections, of course, if the outcome turns out positive for NDA.
These elections come as a huge opportunity for Digvijaya Singh to revive his political course in the state and shut down opponents from within the party and outside. A victory against Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Bhopal, beating sharp odds, will surely boost Digvijaya Singh’s stature at par with current CM Kamal Nath and in the future might prove to be an edge in state politics of Madhya Pradesh.
Threats:
A loss for Shivraj Singh Chouhan from Bhopal, however unlikely, is sure to spell horrors for his image. A tall leader losing a strong seat is not a good sign. A defeat in the elections might give his opponents an opportunity to target him, however, the attitude displayed by Shivraj Singh after the debacle in 2018 is a positive sign from him.
Already struggling to keep relevance in state politics, a loss for Digvijaya Singh is sure to, once and for all, end all speculations about the longevity of his political career in MP. Already struggling from intraparty resistance, a defeat will surely give huge leverage to his opponents for targeting him in the future.
Both leaders have served Madhya Pradesh in the capacity of a chief minister, with all pros and cons the fight in Bhopal is one to keep focus on.
