Amidst speculation, it is crucial to understand how the situation unfolded leading to Kamal Nath’s potential move to the BJP. What transpired that a leader once seen as the third son of Indira Gandhi is now on the brink of leaving his party?
Key Points:
- Discussion with Supporters: Former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and senior Congress leader Kamal Nath may join the BJP. He held discussions with his supporters in Chhindwara, seeking their opinion and directly asking, “What needs to be done?” Following this, other engagements in Chhindwara were canceled, and he left for Delhi via Bhopal. It is now speculated that Kamal Nath will join the BJP along with his MP son Nakul Nath, although there has been no clarification from him or his supporters.
- Reasons for Kamal Nath’s Discontent:
- Defeat in Assembly Elections: In the Madhya Pradesh assembly elections, the Congress fought under Kamal Nath’s leadership. Out of the state’s 230 seats, BJP won 163, Congress 66, and one seat went to the Bharatiya Tribal Party. The defeat in the assembly elections was squarely attributed to Kamal Nath, making him accountable, and other leaders distanced themselves from him.
- Sudden Removal as State President: Following the defeat in the assembly elections, Congress promptly replaced its state president. Jitu Patwari, close to Rahul Gandhi, was appointed as the Pradesh Congress Committee president. Kamal Nath was neither consulted nor informed, and his sudden removal added to his discontent.
- Aspiration for Central Politics: Kamal Nath has always been active in central politics. He was sent to Madhya Pradesh just before the 2018 assembly elections, with an expectation that he would return to Delhi if the government was formed. However, the party kept him engaged in Madhya Pradesh. After the defeat in the 2023 assembly elections, Kamal Nath wanted to return to Delhi, but the party didn’t heed to his wishes.
- Denial of Rajya Sabha Ticket: Kamal Nath aspired to be part of central politics by contesting the Rajya Sabha elections. He even hosted a dinner for Congress MLAs. However, when Sonia Gandhi chose Rajasthan, leaving him out, Digvijay Singh’s supporter Ashok Singh was nominated instead. This didn’t sit well with the former Chief Minister.
- Conflict with Digvijay Singh: During the assembly elections, there was discord between Kamal Nath and Digvijay Singh over the distribution of tickets to some former MLAs and sitting MLAs from the BJP who wished to join the Congress. A video of Kamal Nath went viral, where he allegedly instructed ticket aspirants to tear Digvijay Singh’s clothes. Kamal Nath believes this was orchestrated by a faction within the party, creating an atmosphere against him.
These developments have put Kamal Nath in a precarious position, prompting speculation about his political future.