Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched his book 'Apnapan – Narendra Modi Sang Mere Anubhav' in New Delhi on Tuesday, 26 May, drawing praise from senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders who described it as an essential read for aspiring politicians and a rare first-hand account of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public life. The memoir draws on Chouhan's decades-long personal association with Modi, documenting observations and experiences that span organisational work, governance, and national leadership.

What the Book Covers

The title — 'Apnapan', meaning 'belonging' or 'ours' — frames the narrative as one of deep public connection rather than a conventional political biography. Chouhan traces Modi's journey through multiple roles, offering readers an insider perspective on how the Prime Minister has operated across different capacities over the years. The book is positioned as both a political memoir and a governance document.

What Senior Leaders Said

Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu said the book carried lessons that went beyond party lines. 'The title 'Apnapan' itself means 'ours' or 'belonging to us'. This book is very important and should be read by every politician, especially budding politicians, to understand how a public servant can serve for 17 years as Chief Minister in a state like Madhya Pradesh that was considered backward at that time. It is a record 17 years as CM, and now he is serving at the Centre as Agriculture Minister,' Naidu said.

Union Minister Chirag Paswan linked the publication to a broader need for experienced leaders to document their journeys. 'I have always believed that leaders who have decades of experience should document it so that coming generations can learn from their experiences. I myself used to tell my leader and my father, Ram Vilas Paswan, many times to document as much of his experience as possible. For people like us and the younger generations, it would certainly serve as a source of inspiration,' he said.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav highlighted Chouhan's long organisational and administrative arc. 'Over the years, he has served in many roles — as Yuva Morcha president, Kesariya Hindu Vahini coordinator, Chief Minister and now as Union Agriculture Minister. We will all benefit from the experience he has gained while serving in these various positions in government,' Yadav said, extending his congratulations.

Other Voices at the Launch

Madhya Pradesh Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya called the book 'a guide for the new generation', adding that Chouhan had 'presented his experiences in a very meaningful and well-articulated manner.' Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra said the memoir would inspire not only political workers but people from all walks of life. BJP MP Darshan Singh Choudhary welcomed the publication as useful for workers, youth, and all sections of society, encouraging readers to draw inspiration from it towards self-reliance.

Significance and Broader Context

Chouhan's record 17-year tenure as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh — spanning multiple terms between 2005 and 2023 — is widely cited within the BJP as a model of long-term state-level governance. His transition to the Union Cabinet as Agriculture Minister after the 2024 general elections marked a new chapter. Notably, political memoirs by sitting Union ministers are relatively rare in Indian public life, making 'Apnapan' an unusual addition to the genre. The launch event drew broad participation from across the party, with leaders expressing hope that the book would become a reference point for young public representatives seeking insight into leadership and governance.