Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, moved out of the official CM residence in Bhopal on Wednesday. He has now shifted to B-8, 74 bungalow located near the New Market area along with his family.
Before he departed from the CM house, Chouhan visited the temple on the property and paid respects in the cowshed.
As Chouhan left the premises, security personnel and the house staff bid him farewell.
Reflecting on his tenure, Chouhan said, "Significant development initiatives and decisions for public welfare have emanated from this office. Departing today fills me with both joy and gratitude. The past 18 years have seen considerable progress and initiatives for public welfare. I leave with cherished memories and interactions with former colleagues," news agency ANI quoted him as saying.
He extended his best wishes to the current Chief Minister, Mohan Yadav, expressing hope for the state's continued progress. "I offer my best wishes to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and his team. I've shared close bonds with many who collaborated with me. The people of Madhya Pradesh are akin to family, and I remain committed to serving them," Chouhan added, as reported by the news agency.
Echoing a similar sentiment, Sadhna Singh Chouhan, Chouhan's wife told ANI: "Our departure from this residence is without sentimentality; we are content. This place holds numerous memories for us".
Chouhan emphasised his renewed commitment after relocating, stating, "Now settled in our new residence, I am geared up to serve the public with renewed vigour. My responsibilities as a party worker and an MLA remain paramount".
Chouhan's tenure as Chief Minister spanned from November 2005 until 2023, interrupted only by a 15-month term by the Congress party following the 2018 assembly elections.
In the recent Madhya Pradesh assembly elections, the BJP clinched victory with 163 out of 230 seats. The elections, held on November 17, concluded with vote counting on December 3.