Did MP CM Mohan Yadav Honor the State's First Chief Minister While Congress Stays Away?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mohan Yadav and Narendra Singh Tomar paid tribute to Ravishankar Shukla.
- The absence of Congress leaders sparked criticism.
- Shukla was pivotal in the establishment of Madhya Pradesh.
- His contributions are recognized as foundational for the state's development.
- The initiative to honor former leaders is commendable.
Bhopal, Aug 2 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, along with the State Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar, paid homage to the first Chief Minister of the state, the late Ravishankar Shukla, on his birth anniversary this Saturday.
Born on August 2, 1877, Shukla was a notable Congress leader and a key figure in the Indian independence movement, serving as the inaugural Chief Minister of the recognized state of Madhya Pradesh from November 1, 1956, until his passing on December 31.
This event, organized by the State Assembly, aimed to honor Shukla's immense contributions, recognizing him as the architect of modern Madhya Pradesh.
However, the absence of Congress leaders, particularly the Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar, has sparked criticism.
During the tribute, Chief Minister Yadav stated that after taking office as the first Chief Minister, Shukla established a vision for the development of Madhya Pradesh, which included what is now Chhattisgarh until it became a separate state on November 1, 2001.
"Congress leader Ravishankar Shukla paved the way for progress in Madhya Pradesh. Since then, our state has experienced significant growth. His legacy will always be cherished," Yadav remarked.
Shukla's son, Shyama Charan Shukla, also served as Chief Minister three times between 1969 and 1990, while another son, prominent Congress figure Vidya Charan Shukla, tragically lost his life in a Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh's Bastar district in 2013.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Yadav expressed his appreciation for Speaker Tomar's initiative to honor all former Chief Ministers and Speakers of Madhya Pradesh on their birth anniversaries.
"I am grateful to the Speaker for this initiative. It would have been ideal if Congress leaders had participated in this program, but ultimately, that is their decision," added CM Yadav.
According to official sources in the Assembly, an invitation was extended to the Congress party and LoP Singhar, but no response was received from them.