Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, that he is dedicating a new book titled 'Apnapan' to the nation, drawn from his personal experiences of working alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The book, he wrote on X, reflects moments of witnessing Modi live 'every moment for the country.'

In his post, Chouhan wrote: 'maine aadarniya Pradhanmantri Shri Narendra Modi ji ko har kshan desh ke liye jeete hue dekha hai' — 'I have seen the honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi live every moment for the country.' He added that the experiences he gained from Modi are being dedicated to the nation through Apnapan.

Context

Shivraj Singh Chouhan is one of the BJP's most prominent regional-to-national figures. Having served as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh for four terms between 2005 and 2018 and briefly again thereafter, he was inducted into the Union Cabinet as Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development in June 2024 following the Lok Sabha elections. His long political career has placed him in close proximity to the BJP's central leadership, including Prime Minister Modi.

The book Apnapan — a Hindi word meaning 'a sense of belonging' or 'kinship' — is framed as a personal account rather than a policy document. Chouhan positions it as a tribute, channelling his observations of Modi's governance philosophy and work ethic into a narrative intended for a broad public readership.

Policy Backdrop

Senior BJP leaders periodically release books or public testimonials that highlight personal interactions with Prime Minister Modi, reinforcing themes of dedication, mentorship, and a unified governance vision. Such works serve a dual function: they contribute to the party's internal cohesion and project Modi's leadership style as a model for governance at both state and national levels.

Chouhan's transition from a long state-level tenure to a key Union portfolio fits a recognisable pattern within the BJP — experienced regional administrators contributing to the national narrative through both policy and public communication. Apnapan sits within this tradition, translating years of close political association into a publicly accessible form.

Stakeholders and Impact

The primary audience for Apnapan is likely to be BJP workers, political readers, and citizens interested in the inner workings of the Modi government's leadership culture. For party cadres, a book by a figure of Chouhan's stature — offering a ground-level account of the Prime Minister's work ethic — carries motivational and organisational significance.

Beyond the party, the book enters a wider market of political memoirs and leadership narratives that have found consistent readership in India. Chouhan's credibility as a four-term Chief Minister lends the account a weight that distinguishes it from routine political commentary.

What's Next

Formal book launch events, public readings, and political commentary on the contents of Apnapan are expected in the weeks following the announcement. Excerpts shared at launch events or in public forums will offer the first detailed look at the specific experiences and anecdotes Chouhan has chosen to highlight.

The book's reception — among both political audiences and general readers — will indicate how effectively senior BJP leaders can translate personal political narratives into broader public discourse ahead of ongoing state and national political cycles.