To step out of Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s shadow, Mohan Yadav makes his moves, rankles some

Introduced in each district in 2023, the CM Rise Schools were viewed as one of the cornerstones of Chouhan’s education policy towards the later stages of what became his last term as CM. These schools were started with the goal of providing quality education with the help of smart classrooms and good infrastructure. At present, around 360 such schools operate across the state.

Justifying his decision, Yadav on Wednesday said the previous name was “reminiscent of British-era institutions” and the schools were renamed after Rishi Sandipani, Lord Krishna’s guru, to “anchor the initiative in Indian traditions”.

While Yadav’s supporters claim that the new name “aligns with India’s cultural roots”, his critics accuse the CM of attempting to “erase Chouhan’s contributions”.

“The actions reveal Yadav’s calculated effort to carve a distinct political identity. While Chouhan, called ‘Mama’ by his supporters, banks on his personal charisma and women-centric politics, Yadav emphasises more on cultural nationalism. Yet, both leaders operate within the BJP’s ideological framework,” said a senior BJP leader.

Another BJP leader said the CM should be cautious about any “aggressive reversals”. “Chouhan remains a towering figure with a loyal supporter base, and dismantling his legacy could alienate voters and party workers. Most BJP MLAs support Chouhan, including some seniors in Yadav’s camp who are miffed with him (CM) over officers not undertaking work in their respective constituencies. Recently, a senior leader, whose picture was missing from posters, refused to accept a bouquet when the CM arrived in his constituency. Yadav needs to ensure he keeps the BJP flock together,” the BJP functionary said.

Not the first reversal

The CM’s latest move is a part of a pattern of reversals since he took over from Chouhan. In December 2023, immediately after taking charge, Yadav ordered the scrapping of the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) in Bhopal. The much-talked-about project was started in 2009-10 to promote public transport in the state Capital and cost an estimated Rs 360 crore under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission.

In January 2024, Yadav directed state officers not to stand up for the state song, or Madhya Pradesh gaan, saying it cannot be equated with the national anthem. Chouhan, on the other hand, was known to promote the state song at various events.

In August 2024, the CM revived the Capital Project Administration (CPA) that his predecessor had abandoned two years earlier because of the poor condition of roads. The CPA is responsible for the construction, development, and maintenance of roads, parks, and buildings.

In yet another move seen as diverging from a policy of one of his predecessors, Yadav spearheaded the revival of the Madhya Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (MPSRTC) that was shut down in 2005 under the Babulal Gaur-led BJP government because of financial losses. The state Cabinet on Tuesday gave its nod to relaunch state-run bus services under the Chief Minister Sugam Parivahan Seva. Chouhan, during his long reign, had not reversed Gaur’s decision. As a result, several rural areas were largely inaccessible through public transport.

Yadav has also moved out senior IAS officers, some of whom were believed to be close to Chouhan, and assembled his own team. The CM has also followed through on issues on which the Chouhan government was believed to be dragging its feet, such as the ban on loudspeakers, meat shops, and liquor stores at religious places.

“It is expected that Yadav will make decisions that are different from Chouhan’s. He was placed at the helm to change things, something which the voters wanted. However, Chouhan’s legacy of Ladli Behna and other successful schemes will endure. It is not as if the whole script is being rewritten,” said a senior leader.