Madhya Pradesh: Union Agriculture Minister Tomar Appointed To Lead BJP Poll Panel, Combat Anti-Incumbency

In order to address high anti-incumbency and internal dissent in Madhya Pradesh, the BJP has appointed Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar as the convenor of its State Election Management Committee for the state assembly polls coming up later this year.

The decision is aimed at replicating the success of the 2008 and 2013 assembly polls, during which Tomar formed a strong partnership with MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Upon his arrival in Bhopal on Saturday evening (15 July), Tomar said, “As a worker, everyone receives some responsibilities from time to time. We will put all our efforts into making sure that the BJP wins with a full majority in the upcoming assembly elections in the state."

The appointment of Tomar as the convenor of the State Election Management Committee also puts an end to the speculation surrounding a change in leadership within the government or the replacement of State BJP president V D Sharma. Tomar's name had been circulating as a potential candidate for over two weeks.

The lack of coordination between the state government and the party organisation has become a stumbling block. However, Tomar, who has a good rapport with the Chief Minister and can bridge a divided house, is expected to resolve this issue and bring order to the situation.

Additionally, Tomar's background in the Gwalior-Chambal region, which seems to be on shaky ground, made him a suitable candidate for the task.

Tomar is a prominent figure in the Gwalior-Chambal region and represents Morena Gwalior in the Lok Sabha. This region is also the hometown of Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Currently serving as the Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Tomar has been a part of the Narendra Modi government since 2014. It is uncertain whether he will return to the state in a full-time capacity or continue to handle both organisational and ministerial responsibilities.