How new Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav can help BJP score higher in UP, Bihar & Haryana

In a surprising move, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed Mohan Yadav as the new Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. While former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan belongs to the OBC community, Yadav's appointment is seen as a strategic move to gain support from the Yadav community in politically crucial states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Haryana.

The BJP has faced challenges in winning over the Yadav community, which plays a significant role in the Samajwadi Party in UP and the Rashtriya Janata Dal in Bihar. By choosing Yadav, who is the head of the state Olympic and wrestling associations, the BJP aims to strengthen its presence among the Yadavs.

Yadav, known for his skills in wielding swords, holds influence in the temple city of Ujjain. During his tenure as a minister, he made the 'Ramcharitmanas' an optional subject in colleges in 2021. He also introduced a unique initiative where students would receive their degrees only after planting a sapling.


Expressing his gratitude, Yadav said, "I am humbled that a party like BJP has entrusted me with such a significant responsibility. I will continue the developmental work initiated by Prime Minister Modi and Chouhan."

Although the choice of Yadav may have surprised many, it is unlikely to cause immediate complications due to the strong organizational structure of the BJP and the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has been the party's key campaign factor.

Outside the BJP office, supporters of various Chief Minister hopefuls gathered and chanted slogans throughout the day. Chouhan's supporters chanted "Mama, Mama," while Prahlad Singh Patel's supporters shouted "Dada, Dada," and Kailash Vijayvargiya's supporters yelled "Bhaiyya, Bhaiyya." At 4:35 pm, the news broke that Mohan Yadav would be the next Chief Minister. There was a brief silence before the drums started beating once again.

The decision not only creates unease within the Raje camp of the Rajasthan BJP but also puts pressure on the Congress party to make changes in its Madhya Pradesh unit. With the party already facing criticism over its massive defeat, the leadership seems disconnected from the social dynamics that have seen the BJP promote leaders from non-upper caste backgrounds since 2003.