Shivraj Singh Chouhan Gets Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry in Modi 3.0 Cabinet

New Delhi: Senior BJP leer and four-time former Chief Minister of Mhya Presh Shivraj Singh Chouhan was on Monday given charge of Union Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry as ministers in newly-inducted Modi 3.0 Cabinet were allotted ir respective portfolios.

65-year-old leer, popularly known as "mama" (maternal uncle), took oath as part of Prime Minister's Council of Ministers on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in his over three-dece-long political career.

With his extensive experience in governance and deep connect with rural populace, Chouhan's appointment as Union Agriculture Minister is expected to bring fresh impetus to government's efforts in dressing challenges faced by agriculture sector and farming community.

Chouhan, who cultivated a 'son of soil' image and identified himself with socio-economic concerns of farmers, villagers, women, and children in Mhya Presh, proved his detractors wrong after being denied chief minister's post for fifth time last year.

Defying claims of being sidelined, BJP leer won Vidisha Lok Sabha seat for an impressive sixth time, securing a record margin of 8.21 lakh votes.

His induction into Union Cabinet was widely anticipated after Prime Minister Modi lauded him at a rally in Mhya Presh before Lok Sabha polls, acknowledging his contributions and popularity.

Born on March 5, 1959, in a farming family in Jait village, Sehore district, Chouhan's political journey began with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) when he was just 13 years old. He was first elected to Mhya Presh Assembly from Budhni constituency in 1990 and later became a Member of Parliament from Vidisha in 1991.

He was re-elected from same constituency in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2004, winning his fifth Lok Sabha election with an impressive margin of over 2,60,000 votes.  

(With inputs from PTI)