Bhopal: BJP president Amit Shah’s statement on Saturday that Shivraj Singh will return as chief minister for a fourth term indicates a shift in strategy.Earlier, Shah had said that BJP would fight the election on the basis of “organizational strength and an individual face” But now it is clear the ruling party is banking on Chouhan’s popularity and mass appeal to win the 2018 polls.“Shivraj ji will be the chief minister of MP and Narendra Modi ji will be the Prime Minister for the next five years,” Shah said after launching Chouhan’s Jan Ashirwad Yatra in Ujjain on Saturday.In May, Shah had suggested that party leaders fight the electoral battle under the “guidance of Shivraj Singh Chouhan” but on the strength of the grassroots organisation. Now, the switch to projection of Chouhan is based on internal party reports and feedback from senior leaders and MLAs, say sources in the party.“Shivraj ji’s appeal as a mass leader is crucial, keeping in mind the aggression of farmers, underprivileged sections and tribals because of improper execution of welfare schemes,” said a party leader, adding that after the Karnataka elections, the BJP leadership was forced to take a relook at its strategy.Chouhan, too, was quick on his feet and unleased a massive outreach exercise, travelling extensively and showering sops on every section of society – from daily labourers and farmers to angwanwadi workers and contract staff seeking regularization.“There were internal and external surveys on popularity, winnability and the ‘most favourable public figure’. Shivraj Singh Chouhan emerged the clear winner. There is no match to Chouhan within the party and even Opposition Congress has no answer,” said a senior state BJP functionary.The CM will now play a crucial role in selection of candidates for the coming assembly polls as he has already announced that winnability and popularity among masses will be the key criteria. Party veteran Narendra Singh Tomar, state BJP chief Rakesh Singh and organising general secretary Suhas Bhagat will assist him, said a leader.Shah also indicated that the party appreciates the way Chouhan has handled challengers and disgruntled leaders within the party. The CM’s decision to face the public in all 230 constituencies after nearly 14 years in power went in his favour, said a party senior.“Shivraj ji is the most popular political figure in the state. His Jan Ashirwad Yatra is proof of his mass connect,” BJP Rajya Sabha member Prabhat Jha told TOI.Congress, however, feels it will boomerang on Chouhan this time. “It’s a fight between the people and Shivraj Singh. Congress will blame Shivraj Singh for all the failures of the ruling party. We are ready to face his challenge. It’s surprising that BJP is changing its stance now,” said Congress state media in-charge Manak Agrawal.

Stay updated with all the Bhopal Latest News headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.