Amit Shah Unveils Madhya Pradesh BJP Government's Two-Decade Progress Report

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has unveiled a comprehensive evaluation of the Madhya Pradesh government's achievements spanning from 2003 to 2023. According to Shah, the BJP-led administration's accomplishments during this period have successfully eradicated the once-associated 'BIMARU' (laggard) status from the state – a term he attributes to the legacy of the Congress regime.

Shah hailed the pivotal decision made by the state's populace in 2003, effectively sidelining what he humorously referred to as the reign of "Mr. Bantadhar," likely alluding to former Congress leader and Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh.

Over the past two decades, the BJP government has laid the groundwork for transforming the state into a self-reliant and developed entity, as per Shah's statement. The event took place in the capital city, Bhopal, where Shah released the government's 20-year performance 'report card.' The ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, MP BJP President VD Sharma, and State Home Minister Narottam Mishra.

In light of these developments, Shah challenged the opposition Congress party to present a similar comprehensive report card reflecting its nearly five-decade-long rule in the state.

With upcoming assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh later this year, Shah expressed unwavering confidence in the BJP's capability to secure all 29 Lok Sabha seats in the general elections scheduled for the following year.

The 'BIMARU' acronym has historically been associated with Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, symbolizing their lagging status in terms of economic growth, healthcare, education, and other indicators.

Shah elaborated, "Madhya Pradesh existed from 1956, and barring a few years, the state was under Congress rule until 2003. Unfortunately, the BIMARU status persisted during their tenure." He asserted that the BJP government has effectively steered the state away from the 'BIMARU' label, instigating a trajectory towards development through the execution of various welfare programs.

Shah proceeded to highlight Madhya Pradesh's accomplishments across various sectors. The state boasts a significant 45% contribution to wheat exports nationwide, has distributed over 3.62 crore Ayushman cards (a government health scheme), maintains the foremost position in terms of rural road quality under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, and has been endorsed as a leader in multiple areas such as agricultural infrastructure fund allocation and rural housing construction under the PM Awas Yojna.

Amit Shah underscored significant improvements under various welfare initiatives. Over the past five years, 1.36 crore individuals have risen above the poverty line in the state. Per capita income has surged from Rs 12,000 in 2003 to Rs 1.40 lakh at present. Additionally, more than 44 lakh impoverished families have been provided with permanent housing through the PMAY in both urban and rural regions.

In contrast to this progress, Shah criticized the opposition Congress for their leadership during the era of "Mr. Bantadhar," implying that the state faced severe deficits in essential areas such as power, water, and infrastructure.

Shah's address concluded with a resounding assertion that Madhya Pradesh, once dubbed a "Bantadhar" state, has now surged to new developmental heights under BJP's governance. He reaffirmed his belief that the BJP will secure the remaining Lok Sabha seat in the 2024 elections, based on the party's track record in the state.

In 2019, the Congress managed to secure only the Chhindwara Lok Sabha seat, won by Nakul Nath, the son of senior party leader Kamal Nath.

Lastly, Shah challenged the Congress to provide a comprehensive report card for their five decades of governance in the state, emphasizing the BJP's commitment to transparency and accountability in their leadership.