An Indian politician and member of the Bharatiya Janata Party, he served as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh for multiple terms, from 2005 to 2018 and again from 2020 to 2023. Representing Budhni in the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly since 2006, he holds the record for being the longest-serving Chief Minister of the state.

Additionally, he held various prominent positions within the Bharatiya Janata Party, including National Vice President from 2019 to 2020, and played crucial roles in the Parliamentary Board and Central Election Committee. He served as the National President of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha from 2000 to 2002 and was a Member of Lok Sabha representing Vidisha from 1991 to 2005. Beginning his association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in 1972 at the age of 13, he has been an integral part of the BJP’s leadership.

Known for his commitment to social welfare, he initiated several schemes, including providing rice at Rs 1 per kg for the impoverished, the Sambal scheme offering maternity assistance to women laborers, free education for underprivileged girls, fixed-rate electricity, Ladli Laxmi Yojana, and Beti Bachao Abhiyan. These initiatives, introduced by him, are credited with contributing to the BJP’s electoral successes in the 2008, 2013, and 2023 assembly elections.