Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, launched his memoir 'Apnapan: Narendra Modi Sang Mere Anubhav' (Apnapan: My Experiences with Narendra Modi), describing the occasion as one of the most emotional and unforgettable moments of his life. The book was unveiled in the presence of former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and former Prime Minister H.D. Devegowda.

Context

Chouhan announced the launch on X, writing: 'Aaj ka din mere jeevan ke sabse bhaavuk aur avismarniya kshanon mein se ek hai' ('Today is one of the most emotional and unforgettable moments of my life'). He described the book as an expression of 'apnapan aur aatmiyata' — closeness and affection — dedicated to the nation. The ceremony saw the book released at the hands of former Vice President Naidu and former Prime Minister Devegowda, lending the event significant cross-party stature.

Policy Backdrop

Senior BJP figures have periodically released memoirs and reflective accounts of their association with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly in the years following 2014. These publications typically document personal loyalty, governance milestones, and political journeys alongside the ruling dispensation's achievements at state and national levels. Chouhan himself served four terms as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh before being elevated to the Union Cabinet, making him one of the party's most prominent regional leaders-turned-ministers.

The presence of H.D. Devegowda — a former Prime Minister from the opposition Janata Dal (Secular) — at the launch is notable, signalling a degree of cross-partisan goodwill at a ceremonial level, even as the two parties remain political rivals in states such as Karnataka.

Stakeholders and Impact

The book is primarily addressed to political readers, party workers, and citizens interested in the inner workings of the BJP's leadership culture during the Modi era. For Chouhan's supporters, the memoir offers a personal window into his long association with the Prime Minister, spanning his years as a state leader and his current role overseeing agriculture and rural development policy for the nation.

The launch event, graced by two former constitutional heads — a former Vice President and a former Prime Minister — amplifies the book's visibility beyond purely partisan circles and positions it as a document of political history.

What's Next

The hashtag #ApnapanBook was used to mark the launch, suggesting an organised promotional campaign is underway. Further book readings, promotional events, and reviews are expected in the coming weeks. The release may also prompt other senior ministers and state-level leaders to document their own associations with PM Modi, continuing a broader pattern of political memoir-writing within the ruling establishment.