PM Modi greets Shivraj Singh Chouhan on his birthday, lauds his work for farmers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended birthday greetings to Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, praising his dedication to the welfare of farmers and the growth of the agriculture sector.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said “Best wishes to Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan Ji on his birthday. He is admired for his humble nature and connect with the people. He is working tirelessly for the welfare of our farmers and growth of the agriculture sector. Praying for his long and healthy life.”

Chouhan, who served as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh for four terms, was sworn in as a Union minister for the first time in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in 2024. He had earlier assumed office as Chief Minister in November 2005 and went on to become one of the longest-serving leaders in the state.

Born on March 5, 1959, in Jait village in Sehore district of Madhya Pradesh, Chouhan is the son of Prem Singh Chouhan and Sundar Bai Chouhan. He joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1972 at the age of 13 and later became active in the student organisation Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).

Over the years, he held several key organisational positions, including convenor, general secretary and member of the national executive of ABVP. He was also associated with the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) and served as its national president in 1988. From 2000 to 2003, he was the national president of the BJYM.

Chouhan has also held various roles within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), including National General Secretary, Secretary of the BJP Parliamentary Board and Secretary of the Central Election Committee.

In parliamentary politics, he was elected to the Lok Sabha multiple times from the Vidisha constituency in Madhya Pradesh in 1991, 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2004. During his tenure in Parliament, he served on several committees, including the Committee on Agriculture, the Joint Committee on Offices of Profit and the Committee on Ethics. He also chaired the Lok Sabha Housing Committee.

Chouhan is also known for initiating social welfare programmes in Madhya Pradesh, including initiatives aimed at addressing female foeticide and promoting the welfare of girls.