Modi 3.0: Explore Political History of 7 Former Chief Ministers in New Cabinet

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was sworn in for his third consecutive term on Sunday, matching Jawaharlal Nehru’s record of leading the Congress party to victories in 1951-52, 1957, and 1962 national elections. Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured three consecutive wins in the parliamentary elections — 2014, 2019, and 2024. Narendra Modi’s elevation from a four-term chief minister to the prime ministerial position came on the back of a nationwide groundswell in his party’s favor in 2014. The BJP won 282 seats, and the NDA secured over 300 berths in the 543-member Lok Sabha. In 2019, their strength increased further with the BJP and NDA winning more than 300 and 350 seats, respectively, in the House.

Seasoned Leadership: Seven Former Chief Ministers Join New NDA Government

Narendra Modi‘s political journey has been remarkable, marked by his rise from humble beginnings to becoming one of India’s most influential leaders. Beginning as a RSS pracharak, he entered mainstream politics in 1987 when he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Modi quickly rose through the ranks, serving in various organizational roles within the party. His leadership qualities and administrative acumen came to the fore during his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014, where he implemented several developmental initiatives and earned the reputation of being a decisive leader. In 2014, Modi led the BJP to a historic victory in the Lok Sabha elections, securing a majority on its own. He assumed office as the 14th Prime Minister of India, focusing on economic reforms, infrastructure development, and enhancing India’s global standing. Modi’s second term, beginning in 2019, has seen continued emphasis on initiatives like ‘Make in India’, ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’, and ‘Digital India’, along with key policy reforms such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Throughout his tenure, Modi’s leadership has been characterized by a blend of charisma, innovation, and a strong nationalist agenda, shaping India’s political landscape and leaving a lasting impact on its trajectory.

Rajnath Singh, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister, has left an indelible mark on Indian politics through his multifaceted career. Beginning as a student activist with the ABVP, he ascended to become the BJP National President, demonstrating his organizational prowess. Elected as an MLA in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly in 1977, he subsequently held key positions, notably as the state’s Education Minister, where he introduced pioneering reforms like the Anti Copying Act and Vedic Mathematics in the syllabus. His leadership as State President of the BJP unit in Uttar Pradesh was marked by strategic expansion and resilience during political crises. Elevated to Chief Minister of the state in 2000, he steered India’s most populous state with distinction. At the Centre, Singh’s contributions were equally significant, serving as Minister of Agriculture and later as Minister of Home Affairs. He championed initiatives such as the NHDP and spearheaded transformative projects like the Kisan Call Centre and Farm Income Insurance Scheme. Throughout his illustrious career, Singh has advocated for credibility in politics, emphasized India’s rich cultural heritage, and staunchly opposed authoritarianism, as evidenced by his opposition to the National Emergency in 1975. A staunch proponent of women’s empowerment, he has taken steps to increase women’s participation in various sectors, particularly in the armed forces during his tenure as Defence Minister. With a background in physics and a passion for engaging with students and youth, Singh continues to be a stalwart figure in Indian politics, driven by his vision of a self-reliant India leading the world stage while embodying the principles of “Antyodaya,” the upliftment of the last person.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the longest-serving BJP chief minister, implemented pro-women welfare schemes and agriculture reforms during his tenure in Madhya Pradesh. His association with the RSS and the student wings of the BJP dates back to his early years. Joining the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in 1972 at the age of 13, Chouhan has maintained close ties with its top leaders. Chouhan’s commitment to addressing social issues is evident in his initiatives to combat female foeticide in Madhya Pradesh since 2006. His political journey includes multiple terms as an elected member of Parliament, representing his constituents in various capacities. He served on significant committees such as the Committee on Agriculture and the Joint Committee on Offices of Profit, contributing to policy discussions at the national level.With a margin of over 260,000 votes, Chouhan was re-elected to the 14th Lok Sabha in 2004. His roles within the BJP have been diverse, including positions such as National General Secretary, Secretary of the Parliamentary Board, and Secretary of the Central Election Committee. Additionally, he chaired the Housing Committee of the Lok Sabha and served on the Committee on Ethics, showcasing his multifaceted contributions to governance and party affairs.

Manohar Lal Khattar, the 10th Chief Minister of Haryana and a BJP leader, prioritized e-governance and initiatives for the welfare of the girl child during his tenure. He represented the Karnal constituency in the Haryana Legislative Assembly. Before his political career, Khattar was a former Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) pracharak. He took on the role of Chief Minister of Haryana in 2014 and 2019. His journey in politics began in 1977 when he joined the RSS at the age of 24. In 1979, after interacting with various saints and RSS workers, he committed to a lifetime with the Sangh and became its Pracharak in 1980.Transitioning to the BJP in 1994 after 14 years of service with the RSS, Khattar made significant strides in his political career. His first notable achievement was managing the BJP’s first election in Gujarat in 2002, where the party won 3 out of 6 seats. Subsequently, he led the party’s Haryana campaign for the 2014 General Elections, securing victory in the Karnal constituency the same year. Additionally, Khattar has been a member of the BJP’s National Executive Committee. His ascendancy to the position of Chief Minister in 2014 marked a historic moment as he became the first individual from the BJP to hold this office in Haryana.

HD Kumaraswamy, a former Chief Minister of Karnataka, brings a unique background as a film producer to his political career. As the son of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, Kumaraswamy embarked on his political journey in 1996 when he clinched victory in the Kanakapura Lok Sabha seat. Despite facing numerous setbacks in his extensive career, Kumaraswamy persevered and made comebacks. In 1999, he suffered defeat against his arch rival and Congress leader D K Shivakumar in the Sathnur Assembly seat. However, in 2004, he emerged victorious from the Ramanagara Assembly seat, where he remained undefeated until he shifted to the neighboring Channapatna constituency.

In 2006, he assumed the role of Chief Minister of the state from February 4, 2006, to October 9, 2007, after forming an alliance with the BJP. During his tenure, he introduced the “Grama Vastavaya” initiative, earning him the title of People’s CM. In September 2007, amidst a power-sharing agreement, he initially announced his resignation but later declined to transfer power to the BJP. Eventually, he resigned and handed over power to the BJP for a brief period, only to withdraw support later, leading to the imposition of President’s rule in the state.

Jitan Ram Manjhi, the former Chief Minister of Bihar, made significant contributions to Bihar’s political landscape during his tenure. As the leader of the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), Manjhi served as Bihar’s Chief Minister from 2014 to 2015. He notably became the first Chief Minister from the state’s Musahar community. Having been an MLA since 1980, Manjhi also held the position of Lok Sabha MP from Bihar’s Gaya constituency. Throughout his political career, Manjhi has been associated with various parties, including the Janata Dal (United) led by his close ally Nitish Kumar. He initially entered politics in 1980 as a candidate for the Congress party, serving in three consecutive cabinets under Congress chief ministers in Bihar until 1990. Following that, he joined Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) before becoming a minister in the RJD state government from 1996 to 2005. Eventually, he aligned with Nitish Kumar’s JD(U). In 2021, Manjhi sparked controversy by using derogatory language against Brahmins, leading to backlash from the influential community. One member even offered a reward of ₹11 lakh for anyone who would cut off his tongue. Despite the controversies, Manjhi emerged victorious in the Gaya constituency during the 2024 general elections.

Sarbananda Sonowal, the former Chief Minister of Assam, played a crucial role in bolstering the BJP’s presence in the Northeast and prioritized infrastructural development during his tenure. Sonowal, who held portfolios such as Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, as well as Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) in the previous administration, is known to share a close bond with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His reputation for integrity, effective communication skills, and popularity among the masses in Assam earned him another ministerial role at the Centre for the third time. Sonowal served as the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports in the initial Modi government from 2014 to 2016. He then resigned to lead the first Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led coalition government in Assam.

These leaders have left indelible marks on their states’ political and social fabric, with their parties striving to uphold their legacies in current governance.

Modi 3.0: Explore Political History of 7 Former Chief Ministers in New Cabinet

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