The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday sprang a surprise and announced the name of three-time Ujjain South MLA Mohan Yadav as the new chief minister of the central Indian state Madhya Pradesh, bringing an end to the tenure of Shivraj Singh Chouhan who led the election campaign of the party that won 163 seats in the recent assembly elections, while defying all concerns of anti-incumbency. 
 
The party also announced that Jagdish Devda and Rajendra Shukla will be the two Deputy CMs in the state.

Yadav was a cabinet minister in the the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government. He became MLA for the first time from Ujjain South seat in 2013. In the 2018 assembly elections, he was again elected from the same seat. 
 
“I am a small worker of the party. I thank all of you, the state leadership and the central leadership. With your love and support, I will try to fulfil my responsibilities," Yadav said after the announcement.

Meanwhile, the BJP&nbsp;further announced that&nbsp;former Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar will be the speaker of the house in MP.&nbsp;

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party had clinched a massive victory in Madhya Pradesh Assembly election. The results came out in favour of the BJP despite exit polls predicting a tight race.&nbsp;

The BJP won 163&nbsp;seats which was more than double the number of seats of Congress.

The ruling party won the recent assembly polls in MP, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;

On Sunday, BJP had announced Vishnu Deo Sai, a tribal leader, as the new chief minister of Chhattisgarh.&nbsp; 
 
The CM of Rajasthan is likely to be announced on Tuesday after a meeting of the new legislators amid the presence of central observers of the party. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday sprang a surprise and announced the name of three-time Ujjain South MLA Mohan Yadav as the new chief minister of the central Indian state Madhya Pradesh, bringing an end to the tenure of Shivraj Singh Chouhan who led the election campaign of the party that won 163 seats in the recent assembly elections, while defying all concerns of anti-incumbency.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday sprang a surprise and announced the name of three-time Ujjain South MLA Mohan Yadav as the new chief minister of the central Indian state Madhya Pradesh, bringing an end to the tenure of Shivraj Singh Chouhan who led the election campaign of the party that won 163 seats in the recent assembly elections, while defying all concerns of anti-incumbency. The party also announced that Jagdish Devda and Rajendra Shukla will be the two Deputy CMs in the state. Yadav was a cabinet minister in the the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government. He became MLA for the first time from Ujjain South seat in 2013. In the 2018 assembly elections, he was again elected from the same seat. “I am a small worker of the party. I thank all of you, the state leadership and the central leadership. With your love and support, I will try to fulfil my responsibilities," Yadav said after the announcement. Meanwhile, the BJP further announced that former Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar will be the speaker of the house in MP. India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party had clinched a massive victory in Madhya Pradesh Assembly election. The results came out in favour of the BJP despite exit polls predicting a tight race. The BJP won 163 seats which was more than double the number of seats of Congress. The ruling party won the recent assembly polls in MP, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. On Sunday, BJP had announced Vishnu Deo Sai, a tribal leader, as the new chief minister of Chhattisgarh. The CM of Rajasthan is likely to be announced on Tuesday after a meeting of the new legislators amid the presence of central observers of the party. (With inputs from agencies)

India: BJP appoints Mohan Yadav as the new chief minister of Madhya Pradesh

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has the requisite majority in the Assembly and appealed to Governor Lalji Tandon to order a floor test soon.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-delegation-meets-mp-governor-requests-floor-test-286422">BJP delegation meets MP Governor, requests floor test</a>

"The Chief Minister is running away from the trust vote as he knows that the government lacks a majority. BJP has the majority and we have appealed to the Governor to order the conduct of a floor test at the earliest. He has assured us that he will protect our constitutional rights," Chouhan told reporters.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/madhya-pradesh-assembly-adjourned-till-march-26th-in-view-of-coronavirus-286648">Madhya Pradesh Assembly adjourned till March 26th in view of coronavirus</a>

"The Chief Minister is trying to defend himself. Governor's orders were not followed. Madhya Pradesh government does not have the constitutional right to run the government even for a single moment," he added.

The Madhya Pradesh Assembly, which met on Monday morning for the Budget session was adjourned immediately after the Governor's address till March 26, in view of coronavirus outbreak.

On Saturday, Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon had instructed Kamal Nath to face a trust vote after his address to the state assembly. Today, the chief minister wrote to Governor Tandon and asked for a postponement.

He said some of his MLAs were being held hostage and felt the vote should only be held when everyone is free.

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has the requisite majority in the Assembly and appealed to Governor Lalji Tandon to order a floor test soon.

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has the requisite majority in the Assembly and appealed to Governor Lalji Tandon to order a floor test soon. Also read: BJP delegation meets MP Governor, requests floor test "The Chief Minister is running away from the trust vote as he knows that the government lacks a majority. BJP has the majority and we have appealed to the Governor to order the conduct of a floor test at the earliest. He has assured us that he will protect our constitutional rights," Chouhan told reporters. Also read: Madhya Pradesh Assembly adjourned till March 26th in view of coronavirus "The Chief Minister is trying to defend himself. Governor's orders were not followed. Madhya Pradesh government does not have the constitutional right to run the government even for a single moment," he added. The Madhya Pradesh Assembly, which met on Monday morning for the Budget session was adjourned immediately after the Governor's address till March 26, in view of coronavirus outbreak. On Saturday, Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon had instructed Kamal Nath to face a trust vote after his address to the state assembly. Today, the chief minister wrote to Governor Tandon and asked for a postponement. He said some of his MLAs were being held hostage and felt the vote should only be held when everyone is free.

BJP has majority; have requested governor to order floor test soon: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Don't think 'mama' has become weak, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who lost power in the recent Assembly elections, asserted Sunday and claimed the BJP will win at least 27 out of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-will-be-second-fight-for-independence-stalin-at-tmcs-opposition-rally-191385">29 Lok Sabha seats in the state</a>.

Congress may have formed a government in the state but it could fall "anytime as it lacks majority", Chouhan, who is also called 'mama' or uncle, said at 'Yuva Vijay Sankalp Maharally' of Delhi BJP's Yuva Morcha.

"Don't think mama has become weak. I promise you that we will win at least 27 seats, as we did in 2014, out of the 29 Lok Sabha seats, in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-136-crore-voters-in-delhi-in-final-electoral-roll-lok-sabha-polls-191350">the coming elections</a>," said the senior BJP leader.

Hitting out at Congress government in Madhya Pradesh, Chouhan claimed BJP could also have formed a "lame" government too but it decided it would do so only with a grand majority.

Chouhan also mocked the gathering of opposition leaders at Saturday's Kolkata rally as "bhanumati ka kunaba" (marriage of convenience), saying there was no unanimity over a common leader among the parties planning the 'mahagathbandhan'.

"It's like a wedding without a groom. On the other hand, we have a leader in the form of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lead us in the battleground," he said.

The 'Yuva Vijay Sankalp Maharally' was the fifth of a series of big rallies held by the Delhi BJP in the last two months, ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

However, the event saw a not so whelming attendance. Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari warned from the stage that it would be investigated who were the persons leaving the venue during speeches of the leaders. 
Delhi BJP Yuva Morcha president Sunil Yadav claimed the event was attended by over 20,000 persons.

"People were coming and going but the chairs were full," he said.

The Yuva Morcha had planned to torch 40-feet effigies of Congress president Rahul Gandhi and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal but the plan was shelved in view of poor air quality in the city, Yadav said.

The rally was attended by many senior BJP leaders including Union minister Vijay Goel who attacked Kejriwal, alleging that his government in Delhi has "destroyed" the city.

Jaibhan Pawaiya, Lok Sabha election co-incharge of Delhi BJP, asked students to sharpen their arguments to face the challenge of being mocked on the slogan of "Achhe Din" by the opponents and counter it with achievements of the Modi government.

Congress may have formed a government in the state but it could fall 'anytime as it lacks majority', Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who is also called 'mama' or uncle, said at a rally of Delhi BJP's Yuva Morcha.

Don't think 'mama' has become weak, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who lost power in the recent Assembly elections, asserted Sunday and claimed the BJP will win at least 27 out of the 29 Lok Sabha seats in the state. Congress may have formed a government in the state but it could fall "anytime as it lacks majority", Chouhan, who is also called 'mama' or uncle, said at 'Yuva Vijay Sankalp Maharally' of Delhi BJP's Yuva Morcha. "Don't think mama has become weak. I promise you that we will win at least 27 seats, as we did in 2014, out of the 29 Lok Sabha seats, in the coming elections," said the senior BJP leader. Hitting out at Congress government in Madhya Pradesh, Chouhan claimed BJP could also have formed a "lame" government too but it decided it would do so only with a grand majority. Chouhan also mocked the gathering of opposition leaders at Saturday's Kolkata rally as "bhanumati ka kunaba" (marriage of convenience), saying there was no unanimity over a common leader among the parties planning the 'mahagathbandhan'. "It's like a wedding without a groom. On the other hand, we have a leader in the form of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lead us in the battleground," he said. The 'Yuva Vijay Sankalp Maharally' was the fifth of a series of big rallies held by the Delhi BJP in the last two months, ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. However, the event saw a not so whelming attendance. Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari warned from the stage that it would be investigated who were the persons leaving the venue during speeches of the leaders. Delhi BJP Yuva Morcha president Sunil Yadav claimed the event was attended by over 20,000 persons. "People were coming and going but the chairs were full," he said. The Yuva Morcha had planned to torch 40-feet effigies of Congress president Rahul Gandhi and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal but the plan was shelved in view of poor air quality in the city, Yadav said. The rally was attended by many senior BJP leaders including Union minister Vijay Goel who attacked Kejriwal, alleging that his government in Delhi has "destroyed" the city. Jaibhan Pawaiya, Lok Sabha election co-incharge of Delhi BJP, asked students to sharpen their arguments to face the challenge of being mocked on the slogan of "Achhe Din" by the opponents and counter it with achievements of the Modi government.

Don't think 'mama' has become weak, will win 27 Lok Sabha seats in MP: Shivraj Chouhan

Three-time <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-election-results-no-party-gets-clear-mandate-in-madhya-pradesh-polls-183370">Madhya Pradesh </a>Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Wednesday announced his resignation and said the BJP will not stake claim to form the government in the state.

The Congress emerged as the single largest party in the state by winning 114 seats, two short of a simple majority.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which ruled the state for 15 years, got 109 seats.

However, it edged ahead of the Congress in the vote share by a slender margin, bagging 41 per cent of the total votes polled, while the Congress got 40.9 per cent.

"We have got more votes, but we will respect the mandate. We haven't got the required seats to form the government. We will not stake claim to form the government and I am submitting my resignation soon to the governor," Chouhan told reporters.

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Shivraj Singh Chouhan: Ab mein mukt hoon, I am free. I have tendered my resignation to the honourable Governor. The responsibility of defeat is totally mine. I have congratulated Kamal Nath ji <a href="https://t.co/Zuek1cSGGa">pic.twitter.com/Zuek1cSGGa</a>
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Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav have announced their parties' support to the Congress in Madhya Pradesh.

Chouhan was the state's longest-serving chief minister since 2005.&nbsp;

Three-time Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Wednesday announced his resignation and said the BJP will not stake claim to form the government in the state.

Three-time Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Wednesday announced his resignation and said the BJP will not stake claim to form the government in the state. The Congress emerged as the single largest party in the state by winning 114 seats, two short of a simple majority. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which ruled the state for 15 years, got 109 seats. However, it edged ahead of the Congress in the vote share by a slender margin, bagging 41 per cent of the total votes polled, while the Congress got 40.9 per cent. "We have got more votes, but we will respect the mandate. We haven't got the required seats to form the government. We will not stake claim to form the government and I am submitting my resignation soon to the governor," Chouhan told reporters. Shivraj Singh Chouhan: Ab mein mukt hoon, I am free. I have tendered my resignation to the honourable Governor. The responsibility of defeat is totally mine. I have congratulated Kamal Nath ji pic.twitter.com/Zuek1cSGGa — ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2018 × Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav have announced their parties' support to the Congress in Madhya Pradesh. Chouhan was the state's longest-serving chief minister since 2005.

Now I'm free, won't stake claim to form govt: Shivraj Chouhan after resigning

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that "neither Darbari nor Maharaj, Madhya Pradesh would vote for Shivraj" again. Urging the people to vote for the BJP in the Assembly polls, he said, "Na Darbari, Na Raja, Na Maharaj, Is Baar Fir Se Shivraj."

Addressing an election rally here, Prime Minister Modi said that the Congress misruled Madhya Pradesh for more than 55 years while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has given good governance to the state in the last 15 years.

"Now you tell me whom you should vote for-Cong`s misrule or the BJP`s good governance," he asked the gathering.

Lauding Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for various schemes and policies for the benefit of the people of the state, Prime Minister Modi said, "People of Madhya Pradesh are determined to bring back Shivraj led BJP government in the state."

From the Panchayat to the Parliament, each and every state was once ruled by the Congress party. But today people across the country are rejecting the Congress.

The reason is corruption and their policy of dividing people on the basis of caste," he said.

Further sharpening his attack on Rahul Gandhi led Congress party, PM Modi asserted that the party does not trust the people of the state and therefore has not revealed the name of its chief ministerial candidate.

"Shouldn`t the Congress tell you who their Chief Ministerial candidate is? When they don`t trust you, should you trust them and cast vote for them on November 28," asked Prime Minister Modi.

He also claimed that the Congress party has become a burden on the country while his government both in states and center is working for the welfare of the country.

"We are ensuring affordable and quality healthcare for all, through Jan Aushadhi Kendras. The poor and middle-class people have been immensely benefited by our schemes. Rahul Gandhi talks about Made in Mandsaur, Made in Jabalpur, Made in Indore mobile phones, but he does not know that today India exports mobile phones," he said.

Madhya Pradesh will go to polls to elect legislators for its 230 constituencies on November 28. The results will be declared on December 11.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that "neither Darbari nor Maharaj, Madhya Pradesh would vote for Shivraj" again. Urging the people to vote for the BJP in the Assembly polls, he said, "Na Darbari, Na Raja, Na Maharaj, Is Baar Fir Se Shivraj.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that "neither Darbari nor Maharaj, Madhya Pradesh would vote for Shivraj" again. Urging the people to vote for the BJP in the Assembly polls, he said, "Na Darbari, Na Raja, Na Maharaj, Is Baar Fir Se Shivraj." Addressing an election rally here, Prime Minister Modi said that the Congress misruled Madhya Pradesh for more than 55 years while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has given good governance to the state in the last 15 years. "Now you tell me whom you should vote for-Cong`s misrule or the BJP`s good governance," he asked the gathering. Lauding Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for various schemes and policies for the benefit of the people of the state, Prime Minister Modi said, "People of Madhya Pradesh are determined to bring back Shivraj led BJP government in the state." From the Panchayat to the Parliament, each and every state was once ruled by the Congress party. But today people across the country are rejecting the Congress. The reason is corruption and their policy of dividing people on the basis of caste," he said. Further sharpening his attack on Rahul Gandhi led Congress party, PM Modi asserted that the party does not trust the people of the state and therefore has not revealed the name of its chief ministerial candidate. "Shouldn`t the Congress tell you who their Chief Ministerial candidate is? When they don`t trust you, should you trust them and cast vote for them on November 28," asked Prime Minister Modi. He also claimed that the Congress party has become a burden on the country while his government both in states and center is working for the welfare of the country. "We are ensuring affordable and quality healthcare for all, through Jan Aushadhi Kendras. The poor and middle-class people have been immensely benefited by our schemes. Rahul Gandhi talks about Made in Mandsaur, Made in Jabalpur, Made in Indore mobile phones, but he does not know that today India exports mobile phones," he said. Madhya Pradesh will go to polls to elect legislators for its 230 constituencies on November 28. The results will be declared on December 11.

Na darbari, na maharaj, is baar fir se shivraj: PM Modi

The Congress on Tuesday accused the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh of failing to address the grievances of the farmers and released what it called a "chargesheet" listing the alleged irregularities under the rule of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

BJP national vice-president Prabhat Jha dismissed the Congress' allegations, claiming it was an attempt to grab headlines and mislead the people.

Speaking to reporters in Bhopal, AICC media and communication chief Randeep Singh Surjewala alleged farmers from 24 villages of the chief minister's home district, Sehore, have petitioned the president seeking permission for euthanasia. He claimed four farmers committed suicide in the state every day due to farm distress.

Mr Surjewala released a "chargesheet" against the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government. He said all the major wrongs of the 15-year-long BJP rule in the state were listed in the "charge sheet", which included poor health services, incidents of rape, firing at farmers, Vyapam scam, alleged theft of children's scholarship, kidnapping of girls, human trafficking and "mafia raj".

Mr Surjewala alleged the MP government was announcing "false figures" on growth, agricultural produce and irrigation potential among others.

He further charged the state government with large-scale irregularities in the implementation of Bhavantar Yojana (a mechanism to give a model price to farmers for produce) and crop insurance scheme among others.

The Congress on Tuesday accused the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh of failing to address the grievances of the farmers and released what it called a "chargesheet" listing the alleged irregularities under the rule of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

The Congress on Tuesday accused the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh of failing to address the grievances of the farmers and released what it called a "chargesheet" listing the alleged irregularities under the rule of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. BJP national vice-president Prabhat Jha dismissed the Congress' allegations, claiming it was an attempt to grab headlines and mislead the people. Speaking to reporters in Bhopal, AICC media and communication chief Randeep Singh Surjewala alleged farmers from 24 villages of the chief minister's home district, Sehore, have petitioned the president seeking permission for euthanasia. He claimed four farmers committed suicide in the state every day due to farm distress. Mr Surjewala released a "chargesheet" against the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government. He said all the major wrongs of the 15-year-long BJP rule in the state were listed in the "charge sheet", which included poor health services, incidents of rape, firing at farmers, Vyapam scam, alleged theft of children's scholarship, kidnapping of girls, human trafficking and "mafia raj". Mr Surjewala alleged the MP government was announcing "false figures" on growth, agricultural produce and irrigation potential among others. He further charged the state government with large-scale irregularities in the implementation of Bhavantar Yojana (a mechanism to give a model price to farmers for produce) and crop insurance scheme among others.

BJP hits back at Congress 'chargesheet' against Madhya Pradesh government

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan's brother-in-law Sanjay Singh Masani joined the Congress Saturday, saying the state needs the party chief Kamal Nath not Chouhan as the CM.

Masani is the brother of Chouhan's wife Sadhna Singh.

He joined the Congress in the presence of its Madhya Pradesh unit president Kamal Nath and another senior state leader Jyotiraditya Scindia and said the state needs a leader like Nath not Chouhan.

"Madhya Pradesh does not need Shivraj but Nath. We all know how Chhindwara has been developed and is identified with Kamal Nath. The state also needs to be identified with him," Masani said. Kamal Nath represents Chhindwara in the Lok Sabha.

While he lashed out at the BJP for ignoring "kaamdars" (those who toil) at the cost of "naamdars" (big names), he said he should not be projected as a family member of Chouhan but only as his relative.

"My name is Sanjay Singh Masani. My family lineage and 'gotra' are different," he said.

Kamal Nath told reporters that all sections of society are affected by Chouhan's misrule, and the decision of Masani to join the Congress is a reflection of people's wish to chart a new course of development in the state, he said.

The BJP has been in power in the state since 2003.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan's brother-in-law Sanjay Singh Masani joined the Congress Saturday, saying the state needs the party chief Kamal Nath not Chouhan as the CM.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan's brother-in-law Sanjay Singh Masani joined the Congress Saturday, saying the state needs the party chief Kamal Nath not Chouhan as the CM. Masani is the brother of Chouhan's wife Sadhna Singh. He joined the Congress in the presence of its Madhya Pradesh unit president Kamal Nath and another senior state leader Jyotiraditya Scindia and said the state needs a leader like Nath not Chouhan. "Madhya Pradesh does not need Shivraj but Nath. We all know how Chhindwara has been developed and is identified with Kamal Nath. The state also needs to be identified with him," Masani said. Kamal Nath represents Chhindwara in the Lok Sabha. While he lashed out at the BJP for ignoring "kaamdars" (those who toil) at the cost of "naamdars" (big names), he said he should not be projected as a family member of Chouhan but only as his relative. "My name is Sanjay Singh Masani. My family lineage and 'gotra' are different," he said. Kamal Nath told reporters that all sections of society are affected by Chouhan's misrule, and the decision of Masani to join the Congress is a reflection of people's wish to chart a new course of development in the state, he said. The BJP has been in power in the state since 2003.

Madhya Pradesh: CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan's brother-in-law joins Congress

A day after being accorded the 'Minister of State' (MoS) status, two religious leaders have cancelled their proposed campaign against the alleged 'scam' in the Madhya Pradesh government's Narmada conservation programme.

Ahead of Assembly elections due later this year, the BJP government in MP yesterday accorded the MoS status to five Hindu religious leaders - Narmadanand Maharaj, Hariharanand Maharaj, Computer Baba, Bhaiyyu Maharaj and Pandit Yogendra Mahant.

On March 31, the five religious leaders were appointed to a committee set up for the Narmada river conservation.

As members of the committee, they have been given the MoS status, an official of the General Administration Department said yesterday.

Computer Baba had earlier announced to take out the 'Narmada Ghotala Rath Yatra' along with Yogendra Mahant in every district of MP from April 1 to May 15, to expose the alleged scam in planting saplings on the banks of the Narmada river and to demand a ban on illegal sand mining.

The publicity material of the campaign was also circulated widely on the social media.

However, MoS Computer Baba today said they have cancelled the campaign because the state government has fulfilled their demand to form a committee of saints and seers for protection of the Narmada river.

"Now why would we take out the yatra?" he said.

On accepting the government facilities meant for a MoS despite being a saint, he said, "If we do not get the post and other government facilities, how can we work for the protection of the Narmada."

"As a member of the committee, we have to talk to the district collectors and look after other necessary arrangements for the river's conservation. A government status is required for these works," he pointed out.

Yogendra Mahant, who was the convener of the proposed campaign, also said that they cancelled the yatra as the state government fulfilled their demand to set up a panel for the river conservation.

On March 31, these five religious leaders were appointed members of the 'Janjagrukta Abhiyan Samiti' (Public Awareness Campaign Committee)- set up for the conservation of the Narmada river.

The opposition Congress yesterday dubbed the decision to appoint them as MoS as the BJP's attempt to exploit the respect these religious leaders enjoy in the society.

However, the BJP hit back saying the opposition party disliked anything related to saints.

As members of the committee, they have been given the MoS status, an official of the General Administration Department said yesterday.

A day after being accorded the 'Minister of State' (MoS) status, two religious leaders have cancelled their proposed campaign against the alleged 'scam' in the Madhya Pradesh government's Narmada conservation programme. Ahead of Assembly elections due later this year, the BJP government in MP yesterday accorded the MoS status to five Hindu religious leaders - Narmadanand Maharaj, Hariharanand Maharaj, Computer Baba, Bhaiyyu Maharaj and Pandit Yogendra Mahant. On March 31, the five religious leaders were appointed to a committee set up for the Narmada river conservation. As members of the committee, they have been given the MoS status, an official of the General Administration Department said yesterday. Computer Baba had earlier announced to take out the 'Narmada Ghotala Rath Yatra' along with Yogendra Mahant in every district of MP from April 1 to May 15, to expose the alleged scam in planting saplings on the banks of the Narmada river and to demand a ban on illegal sand mining. The publicity material of the campaign was also circulated widely on the social media. However, MoS Computer Baba today said they have cancelled the campaign because the state government has fulfilled their demand to form a committee of saints and seers for protection of the Narmada river. "Now why would we take out the yatra?" he said. On accepting the government facilities meant for a MoS despite being a saint, he said, "If we do not get the post and other government facilities, how can we work for the protection of the Narmada." "As a member of the committee, we have to talk to the district collectors and look after other necessary arrangements for the river's conservation. A government status is required for these works," he pointed out. Yogendra Mahant, who was the convener of the proposed campaign, also said that they cancelled the yatra as the state government fulfilled their demand to set up a panel for the river conservation. On March 31, these five religious leaders were appointed members of the 'Janjagrukta Abhiyan Samiti' (Public Awareness Campaign Committee)- set up for the conservation of the Narmada river. The opposition Congress yesterday dubbed the decision to appoint them as MoS as the BJP's attempt to exploit the respect these religious leaders enjoy in the society. However, the BJP hit back saying the opposition party disliked anything related to saints.

'Babas' cancel protest against MP govt's Narmada programme after getting MoS status

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Sunday said the BJP is pained that it could not win the just held bypolls to two Assembly seats but maintained his party fought well and lost narrowly.

The opposition Congress retained the two Assembly seats - Kolaras (Shivpuri district) and Mungaoli (Ashoknagar district) - where bypolls were held on February 24, but with a reduced margin.

&quot;We fought to win but a bit was left in our effort,&quot; he told reporters at his residence here when asked to comment on the bypolls&#39; outcome.

&quot;We are pained we could not win the by-elections,&quot; said Chouhan, who along with some senior members of his Cabinet took part in the campaigning.

&quot;All had thought winning the two seats was tough (for the BJP). The Congress had won Kolaras by a margin of around 25,000 votes in 2013. We narrowed this gap to around 8,000 votes in the bypolls,&quot; the chief minister said.

&quot;The Congress won Mungaoli by 22,000 votes in 2013. This time we lost to the Congress by around 2,100 votes.&quot;

The chief minister expressed confidence that his party would win the Assembly polls, slated for later this year, with a comfortable majority.

The BJP is ruling Madhya Pradesh since 2003.&nbsp;

The BJP is ruling Madhya Pradesh since 2003

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Sunday said the BJP is pained that it could not win the just held bypolls to two Assembly seats but maintained his party fought well and lost narrowly. The opposition Congress retained the two Assembly seats - Kolaras (Shivpuri district) and Mungaoli (Ashoknagar district) - where bypolls were held on February 24, but with a reduced margin. "We fought to win but a bit was left in our effort," he told reporters at his residence here when asked to comment on the bypolls' outcome. "We are pained we could not win the by-elections," said Chouhan, who along with some senior members of his Cabinet took part in the campaigning. "All had thought winning the two seats was tough (for the BJP). The Congress had won Kolaras by a margin of around 25,000 votes in 2013. We narrowed this gap to around 8,000 votes in the bypolls," the chief minister said. "The Congress won Mungaoli by 22,000 votes in 2013. This time we lost to the Congress by around 2,100 votes." The chief minister expressed confidence that his party would win the Assembly polls, slated for later this year, with a comfortable majority. The BJP is ruling Madhya Pradesh since 2003.

BJP narrowly lost Assembly bypolls in MP: Shivraj Chouhan

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