Weeks after being replaced as Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that sometimes a person is sent into exile (vanavaas) when a coronation (raj tilak) seemed imminent. He, however, added that this could be for the fulfillment of some objective (uddeshya). Significantly, Chouhan has renamed his new residence, a government accommodation in Bhopal, as “Mama Ka Ghar”. The former CM was known as “Mama” (maternal uncle) for his women-centric schemes in the state. Tweeting photos of his new residence with the nameplate outside, Chouhan said: “The address has changed, but Mama Ka Ghar is still Mama's house. I will remain connected to you like a brother and maternal uncle. The doors of my house will always be open for you. Whenever you miss me or need me, feel free to come home, after all this is your maternal uncle and brother's house.” After the BJP's victory in the Assembly elections, Chouhan was replaced by Mohan Yadav, who took oath on December 13. Addressing his supporters in his constituency, Budhni, on Tuesday night, Chouhan said: “Kabhi kabhi raj tilak hote hote vanavaas bhi ho jaata hai, par woh kisi na kisi uddeshya ki poorti ke liye hota hai (Sometimes, exile happens when a coronation seems imminent, but that is for the fulfillment of some objective).” According to a video clip of his speech, he also mentioned that he was shifting to his new house, and had named it ‘Mama Ka Ghar’. “Don’t worry. My life is for you, for the people, for sons and daughters, and for my sisters. I have come to this Earth to rid you of your pains. I will not let tears stay in your eyes. We will leave no stone unturned to make life as good as it can become,” he told his supporters. Asked about his comments, Chouhan, while speaking to reporters in Bhopal on Wednesday, was more measured. “The whole state is my family, and family relations don’t depend on posts. These are relations of the heart and soul. They don’t change with the change of post. I have a bond of love and trust with my brothers and sisters, my nephews and nieces. This bond won’t break and I will always be at their service. So, the house I stay in will be a house of love. This will be Mama Ka Ghar and the yajna of serving people will continue from here,” he said. “As a worker of the BJP, I will do the work assigned to me with full submission and loyalty,” he said.
