I want to give people better lives: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

On the eve of 12 years of his rule as chief minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan opens up to TOI Toll about the things he holds dear, his most prized achievements and the challenges ahead. Excerpts from an interview...

Which achievement would you rate top in your 12 years of rule?
After I took over as chief minister, irrigation was a major challenge. Then, hardly 6.5 lakh hectare land was irrigated. But now, irrigation covers 40 lakh hectares. Farmers can grow three crops a year — —soybean, wheat and moong. This has brought about a massive change in the lives of farmers. This pumped money into the rural market, which gave birth to an economic cycle that is essential for development of society. Not only irrigation, there were very poor roads and infrastructure in MP. I created a network of roads, and good infrastructure. Also, we are power-surplus.

And which of your welfare projects is closest to your heart?
I’d say Annapurna Yojana, where we put food on people’s plates. Madhya Pradesh has a large population below poverty line. Followed by Ladli Laxmi Yojana, this led to immense outreach in rural areas. Mukhya Mantri Medhavi Chhatra Yojana has turned out to be a big success among talented students. Under the scheme, we pay higher education fees for students who score 75% in state board and 85% in national boards.

What’s next in the offing before the 2018 election?
We are rolling out Yuwa Sashaktikaran Yojana by April. The objective is to promote self-employment. We will finance and train industry-ready manpower, and conduct surveys to find out exactly what the industry needs. The government will give loans and employment opportunities to 7.5 lakh youngsters a year. Loans from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 10 crore will be given out and the state will take care of 15% bank interest for the first five years.

Are you worried about farm anger ahead of polls?
Farmers know this government has always worked for them. We are making every effort to put more money in their hands. What happened (in Mandsaur) was a temporary thing. We have rolled out Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana, unique in the entire country, to bail them out when prices drop.

So, will you include more crops in Bhavantar?
Sugarcane is a possibility. I have asked to keep tabs on prices, and so far, the going rate seems to be good. But we are open to the possibility of including other crops should the need arise.

Do you see Chitrakoot bypoll defeat as a setback?
Chitrakoot was always a Congress stronghold. BJP had won Chitrakoot only once, by 300 votes. Though we lost the elections, our vote percentage has gone up, and so is that of Congress. And Congress’ victory can be attributed to the vote transfer of BSP supporters. BSP had polled some 25,000 votes (19%) in 2013, and most of it went to Congress.

You have just returned from pollbound Gujarat. What are the chances of BJP winning there?
BJP will have a thumping victory in Gujarat. Unlike Congress, which is all talk, BJP has reached the grassroots level. Moreover, for the people of Gujarat Narendrabhai is their Gaurav, who changed the face of Gujarat during his three terms as CM. They still trust him, and take pride in the way he has been steering the country on the path of development. On the other hand, the managerial skills of Amit Shah are commendable. I have seen a number of party presidents, for whom I have a lot respect. But Amitbhai’s efforts are unmatched.

Narendrabhai’s development work will pay dividend. Sardar Sarovar Dam on Narmada has turned into Gujarat’s lifeline. After I became chief minister, I spoke with him regularly on this. The project has benefited both states – MP could get power and Gujarat water.

And what about elections at home in 2018?
The party has entrusted me with the responsibility of leading the campaign. Our party workers are energized. We have the people’s love with us.

So, what is the secret of your success?
Being close to people, and continually thinking of improving the condition of people’s lives. I have always tried to spread happiness.