Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan shared two personal anecdotes about Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, recounting how Modi personally called him during the death of his father and during a COVID-19 infection — moments he described as expressions of genuine care from a leader he regards as family.

Context

In a post shared on his official X account, Chouhan wrote in Hindi: 'जब मेरे पिताजी का स्वर्गवास हुआ, तो मोदी जी का फोन आया और सांत्वना दी।' ['When my father passed away, Modi ji called and offered condolences.'] He added that when he contracted a COVID-19 infection while serving as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Modi called him affectionately and asked: 'Take care of your family — what medicines are you taking?' The post was accompanied by a video and tagged with the hashtag #ApnapanBook.

The Hindi word apnapan broadly translates to 'a sense of belonging' or 'warmth of one's own people.' The hashtag suggests the anecdotes are connected to a book or publication of that name, though details of the publication were not independently confirmed at the time of this report.

Policy Backdrop

Chouhan served as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh for four terms — a tenure that made him one of the longest-serving state heads in recent Indian political history. He was subsequently elevated to the Union Cabinet, where he now holds the portfolios of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare as well as Rural Development.

Senior BJP leaders have periodically shared personal accounts illustrating Modi's direct and informal engagement with colleagues during difficult moments. Such narratives form a recurring strand of internal party communication, reinforcing the image of the Prime Minister as a personally attentive leader beyond the formal demands of his office.

Stakeholders and Impact

The post is primarily directed at BJP cadre and supporters, for whom personal testimonials from senior leaders carry significant emotional weight. Chouhan's standing within the party — built over decades of grassroots organisation in Madhya Pradesh — lends the account credibility within that audience.

The reference to the COVID-19 period also touches a widely shared national memory. For many Indians, the pandemic years were marked by loss and anxiety, and an account of the Prime Minister personally checking on a colleague's medication resonates with a broader narrative of leadership during crisis.

What's Next

The #ApnapanBook hashtag points to further rollout — possibly public events, readings, or statements from other senior BJP leaders sharing similar personal recollections. If the book is a formal publication, its launch or distribution could generate additional political messaging in the weeks ahead. Chouhan's continued prominence in Union Cabinet affairs means his public communications remain closely watched by both party observers and policy stakeholders.