In Madhya Pradesh politics, The Shukla brothers -- Shyama Charan and Vidya Charan -- have been a force to reckon with for decades now. The family got into politics a generation ago, with father Pandit Ravi Shankar Shukla becoming the first chief minister of Madhya Pradesh.

A law graduate with a stint in journalism, Shyama Charan went on to become the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh thrice. He holds the distinction of being elected to the state Assembly from Rajim for six terms.A Congress loyalist, he is contesting the 2004 Lok Sabha election, against Union minister Ramesh Bais of BJP from Raipur.Vidya Charan, on the contrary is known for changing his camps with the fall of a hat. A Cong loyalist, he recently joined the BJP and is contesting against former Congress chief minister Ajit Jogi from Mahasamund. A former union minister, VC Shukla has won eight of the nine general elections from Raipur and Mahasamund since 1957.Although Shukla borthers have not been able to hold any prominent political office after the bifurcation of Chhattisgarh from Madhya Pradesh, they are still a force in the state.
{{^usCountry}} Pt. Ravi Shankar Shukla
{{/usCountry}} Pt. Ravi Shankar Shukla
Pt. Ravi Shankar Shukla
{{/usCountry}}Entry into politics:1950Top Post: Chief Minister of Madhya PradeshBest known for: Being a freedom fighter and first Chief Minister of Madhya PradeshParty: CongressConstituency: Raipur parliamentary constituency, Madhya PradeshShyama Charan Shukla (son)Entry into politics: 1957Top Post: Chief Minister of Madhya PradeshBest known for: An ardent flier, he holds a private pilots license.Party: CongressConstituency: Rajim constituency, RaipurVidya Charan Shukla (son)Entry into politics: 1957Top Post: Union Information and Broadcasting MinisterBest known for:Untrustworthy as a political allyParty: Congress, BJPConstituency: MahasamundAmitesh Shukla (Grandson)Entry into politics: 1998Top Post: Minister for Panchayat and Social Welfare in Ajit Jogi’s cabinetBest known for:His potential and family connectionParty: CongressConstituency: Rajim constituency