BEING at the helm of Home Departments affairs, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav who also holds the charge of Home Department must have received praise from the Centre and people of Mahakaushal for his efforts to uproot Naxalism in the State. Ten hardcore Naxalites with collective bounty of Rs 2.36 crore surrendered recently in Balaghat and with pride the CM declared Dindori and Mandla completely Naxal-free. The CM’s influence in the country’s political landscape further consolidated.

 

Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has successfully completed his two-year term, which began on December 13, 2023. Announcement of name of threetime MLA from the Ujjain South constituency for the CM’s post surprised many in political and social circles. In politics where several octogenarians’ wait for a ticket continues, elevation of 58-year-old MLA and one time Cabinet Minister also gave grounds to speculation how he will run the Government and handle the Opposition’s attack and dissent voices from within the party.

 

During these two years, CM has made several important decisions for public welfare and industrial growth of the State and maneuvered balance with political counterparts so effectively. Key achievements highlighted included continuation of populist measures like Ladli Laxmi Scheme (originally from a previous regime) and addressing water issues, setting stage for future goals in development. The State has witnessed new initiatives for instance Regional Conclave and its implications up to some extent in couple of years. If we talk about developmental projects river linking (Ken-Betwa) facing deadlock got a kick in new regime.

 

Most important continuation of Ladli Laxmi Scheme. Amid financial crunch the State Government has not only continued the scheme moreover increased monthly installment amount and neutralised the Opposition’s allegations of discontinuation of scheme. Internal factionalism and differences between the organisation and Government that was deepened in the past and reached its peak in election year (2023-24) has almost vanished now. Ofcourse, BJP has got new team and leadership in the State in the second year of State Government. But positive sign and equations between the Arera Colony and Shyamala Hills were visible from the initial months of formation of the new Government.

 

Way ahead expects such actions towards spreading tentacles of drugs in the State, achieving good governance practices, handling financial pressure marked by rising debt (approx Rs 4.64 lakh crore by late 2025) and to turn slogans of job creation into reality.