Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Congress suffered a significant blow as former Congress leader and Mayor of Chhindwara Municipal Corporation, Vikram Ahake, joined hands with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This development occurred in the presence of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and State BJP President VD Sharma on Monday morning.
Speaking to ANI, Vikram Ahake said, “The country and the state under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav are working towards bringing all sections together, “Sabka Sath Sabka Vishwas”. Inspired by the actions, policies, and welfare schemes I have decided to work under their leadership. It is a matter of great happiness that the BJP welcomed us wholeheartedly.”
During the event, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav accused former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Kamal Nath of inflicting significant “damage” to Chhindwara.
He further asserted that Vikram Ahake’s decision to join the BJP was influenced by the derogatory remarks made towards tribal communities by Kamal Nath and his son, Congress leader Nakul Nath.
“Kamal Nath has done a lot of damage to Chhindwara. His son and Congress leader Nakul Nath passed objectionable comments on the tribal communities. Hurt by this, he (Vikram Ahake) decided he did not want to remain in Congress, where tribals are not respected. I assure everyone that we will do our best for development in Chhindwara,” the Madhya Pradesh CM told ANI.
In the previous month, Syed Jafar, a Congress leader and a trusted ally of former Chief Minister Kamal Nath, switched allegiance to the BJP.
Jafar officially became a member of the BJP in a ceremony held at the state BJP office in Bhopal, attended by CM Mohan Yadav, BJP state president VD Sharma, and other dignitaries. Jafar, who previously held positions such as Congress State General Secretary, Congress Media Vice President, and state spokesperson, made this transition amidst their presence.
The election in Chhindwara, along with five other parliamentary constituencies – Sidhi, Shahdol, Jabalpur, Mandla, and Balaghat – in the state, is scheduled for the first phase on April 19th.
Nomination for the first phase commenced on March 20, with March 27 marking the deadline for filing papers for these six parliamentary seats. Additionally, March 30 has been set as the final date for the withdrawal of candidature for the first phase of polls.
The Lok Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh are slated to take place in the initial four phases out of the total seven phases, scheduled for April 19, April 26, May 7, and May 13.