The BJP has named a surprise pick as the new Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh – Mohan Yadav, 58, a leader from the Yadav OBC community that is not as dominant as some others in the heartland state.
On Monday evening, he was elected as leader of the BJP’s legislative party – 15 days after the party routed the Congress to win Madhya Pradesh. The Higher Education Minister in the earlier government, he thanked the BJP, saying, “I am a small party worker… I thank the party for this opportunity.”
“I thank all of you… state and central leadership (and), with your love and support, I will try to fulfil my responsibilities,” Yadav, festooned with garlands, said after the meeting of the MLAs.
The announcement by the BJP ended the suspense over the Chief Minister’s identity days after the saffron party swept the state Assembly elections, winning 163 seats. Manohar Lal Khattar, who was one of the observers deputed by the party leadership, announced Mohan Yadav’s name as the next CM.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan congratulated Yadav and expressed confidence that he will take Madhya Pradesh to new heights of progress and development.
“Hearty congratulations to hard-working fellow Mohan Yadavji on being nominated as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh in the BJP Legislative Party meeting. I am confident that under the able guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, you will take Madhya Pradesh to new heights of progress and development and will create new records in the field of public welfare. Many congratulations and best wishes for this new responsibility!,” Chouhan said on X.