Madhya Pradesh CM interview: ‘PM Modi has done nothing but uphold basic structure of Constitution … Congress killed its soul’

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav was the BJP’s surprise pick to replace former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan after the Assembly elections in December. A three-time MLA from Ujjain, Yadav oversaw the party’s campaign as it attempted to win all 29 parliamentary seats in the state, a feat even his predecessor could not achieve. A day before polling concludes in Madhya Pradesh, Yadav speaks to The Indian Express about the elections, whether he is an emerging Yadav face in the Hindi heartland, and the state’s financial situation.

Excerpts:

Q) The Lok Sabha elections in MP are coming to an end in Madhya Pradesh. How confident are you of winning all 29 seats?

The BJP motto is pran jaye par vachan na jaye (life may end but a promise should not be broken). That is why people believe the Modi guarantees are cast in stone. From Ram Mandir to Article 370, the Prime Minister has delivered on every promise. We have a progressive track record in the state. We are definitely going to win all 29 seats.

Q) The state has seen a large exodus of Congress leaders. Why induct leaders from the Opposition if you are confident of victory?

Congress workers have slowly realised that their party is working not for the development of the country but for the development of one family. It is nothing but sheer nepotism. On the other side, the BJP is giving opportunity to every party worker irrespective of their family and political background.

(Former CM) Kamal Nath and (state Congress president) Jitu Patwari’s recent comments on (former state minister) Imarti Devi show the values they hold. Demeaning women is all they are capable of … Congress workers have finally understood that the party holds no vision and values. So now nobody wants to stay in a