The cabinet of Modi 3.0 has been constituted and the allocation of portfolios has been done with a lot of contemplation. Certain ministries can have a significant impact on the future as well. Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Manohar Lal Khattar are two ministers in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s new cabinet whose ministries’ decisions will face their first test in the upcoming elections in Haryana and Maharashtra, scheduled for four months from now.
It is believed that Chouhan’s working style could have a significant influence on farmers. Chouhan and Khattar are both such leaders who strengthened their ground hold by directly communicating with the people in their respective states.
This time, Prime Minister Modi has signaled his commitment to farmers by entrusting Chouhan with issues related to agriculture, indicating that farmers will not be disappointed. On the other hand, Khattar can deliver a significant message to the poor through the PM Awas Yojana.
Khattar has been given the Energy and Urban Development Ministry to strengthen his connection with the general public. Chouhan has not only set a record by serving as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh for four consecutive terms but has also made a notable mark in the field of agriculture. Chouhan also holds the Rural Development Ministry along with Agriculture.
The anger of farmers is considered one of the most significant factors behind the party’s defeat in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. Farmers staged major protests twice during Modi 2.0 to voice their demands, which they felt were not adequately addressed, leading to accusations that the Modi government was anti-farmer. The major challenge for Chouhan is to win back the farmers’ trust. The issues farmers face, including the minimum support price, require careful dialogue, a method Chouhan favours.
Chouhan is known for his direct communication with the public, which has cemented his popularity in Madhya Pradesh.
He has served as Chief Minister for four consecutive terms and made a substantial impact in agriculture. His various schemes for women significantly contributed to the BJP’s success in assembly elections and in winning all 29 Lok Sabha seats in the state. Known for his efficient problem-solving approach, Chouhan made it clear upon taking charge of his ministry that farmer welfare is a top priority for the Prime Minister. He assured that he, his fellow ministers, and officers would work together to address farmers’ issues, handing a resolution letter to the officers. Chouhan’s stance indicates a strong commitment to not disappointing the farmers this time. If he can successfully address the minimum support price issue, the party could gain substantial support in the upcoming elections in Haryana and Maharashtra, where farmers play a crucial role. Similarly, Khattar, who now handles the Urban Development Ministry, oversees programs like the PM Awas Yojana and the Swachh Bharat Mission, which are vital to the general public.
Prime Minister Modi’s decision to build three crore houses in his first cabinet term directly addressed the needs of urban and rural poor. These houses are being constructed under the PM Awas Yojana, and Khattar is tasked with this significant responsibility.
Khattar, a close aide of Modi, carved out a unique identity as the Chief Minister of Haryana. Initially, few believed in his potential for success. However, he had a remarkably successful tenure of about nine and a half years, free from controversies, earning popularity through his work. Now, Modi has included Khattar in his team, entrusting him with the Energy Ministry in addition to Urban Development. Both ministries are crucial. If Modi’s plan to eliminate electricity bills through the use of solar energy succeeds, it could spark a new revolution in the country, saving electricity in every household. The Prime Minister’s confidence in Khattar suggests that he expects him to rise to the challenge.
As the new cabinet embarks on these initiatives, the focus on addressing the needs and demands of farmers and the common people through targeted programs and efficient administration could play a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape ahead of the crucial state elections.