Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, publicly endorsed Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's book 'Apnapan', calling it a living inspiration for leadership, sensitivity, and national service. Saini praised the book as a reflection of how true leadership transcends decision-making and is rooted in building heartfelt bonds with people.

Context

In his post, Saini wrote that Chouhan has used his personal experiences in 'Apnapan' to demonstrate that 'true leadership is not limited to taking decisions, but lies in establishing intimate relationships with people and understanding their emotions.' The Haryana CM highlighted episodes in the book that illustrate how organisational strength grows from respect for workers, public participation, and a disciplined work culture.

Saini also noted that the book captures Chouhan's experiences alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reflecting a 'clear sense of dedication to national interest, good governance, and development.' He described 'Apnapan' as teaching readers that 'the true meaning of leadership is not position or prestige, but service, responsibility, and the spirit of continuous learning.'

Policy Backdrop

Shivraj Singh Chouhan served multiple terms as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, where his governments emphasised farmer welfare schemes and participatory governance models. He subsequently moved to the Union Cabinet with a focus on agriculture and rural development under the Modi administration.

The Modi government has advanced cooperative federalism since 2014 through platforms such as NITI Aayog and structured interactions between the Centre and state chief ministers. 'Apnapan', as described by Saini, touches on themes of agricultural progress, cooperative federalism, and people-centric welfare — themes consistent with the policy narrative both leaders have championed.

Stakeholders and Impact

The endorsement is directed at BJP party workers, farmers, and a broader readership interested in governance philosophy. Saini's post frames the book as a guide for those engaged in public service, emphasising that organisational discipline and empathy are central to effective leadership.

Such endorsements by BJP chief ministers of books authored by Union ministers serve to reinforce shared narratives of disciplined party culture and development-oriented governance across the party's state and central leadership. They also signal ideological alignment between state and central wings of the party ahead of potential electoral cycles.

What's Next

The endorsement by CM Saini may prompt further public events or reviews of 'Apnapan' by other BJP leaders, potentially signalling a coordinated messaging effort around the book's themes of leadership and governance. Observers will watch whether additional chief ministers or senior party figures amplify similar praise in the coming weeks.

For Haryana, Saini's vocal alignment with Chouhan's vision of service-oriented leadership reinforces his own political positioning as a chief minister who prioritises grassroots connect and welfare governance — a theme central to the BJP's electoral messaging in the state.