Farmers’ protests and incidents of 1984 have put brakes on Kamal Nath’s move to BJP
In Madhya Pradesh, the game in Congress may continue until the ticket distribution. There are indications that due to the allegations related to the 1984 riots, the matter involving former Chief Minister Kamal Nath has taken a back seat. However, the chapter is still open regarding Kamal Nath’s son Nakul Nath and supporters. It will be known on March 2 whether Congress has resolved its relationship with Kamal Nath or if there are still pending issues.
Congress’ former president Rahul Gandhi will begin his ‘Nyay Yatra’ (Justice March) in Madhya Pradesh on March 2. The situation on that day will clarify whether everything is now resolved between Kamal Nath and the Gandhi family as before. However, the way Kamal Nath and Nakul Nath were celebrated by the top leaders of Congress sends a message that the party currently needs them. Reports suggest that the entire Gandhi family and party president Mallikarjun Kharge have had discussions with them and have convinced them.
On the other hand, there are reports that Kamal Nath has been restrained from joining the BJP for now due to the farmer’s agitation and Sikh politics. Otherwise, Kamal Nath would have joined the BJP on February 18. However, the twist is still pending. Sources say that even though Congress has declared Nakul Nath as its candidate from Chhindwara, there is suspense about whether he will contest from Congress or not.
Kamal Nath has given a green signal for his son to join the BJP. The matter revolves around Kamal Nath, not just involving his son, the MLA, and supporters. He is currently stuck within the party due to concerns about the farmer’s agitation, the possibility of an alliance with Akalis in Punjab, and the issue of the seven seats in Delhi. There is concern that Kamal Nath’s inclusion might lead to dissatisfaction within the Sikh community and he might part ways with the party. Therefore, the statement on the 1984 riots has been given to halt Kamal Nath’s entry into the BJP. Currently, it is being said that no one is leaving, but there are doubts as the fire has completely extinguished. The chapter is still open regarding his son Nakul, while it has closed for Kamal Nath.
Since the state assembly elections, Kamal Nath’s relationship with the party has not been as sweet as before. The serious allegation made by the Congress party and Alokamal during the state assembly elections accusing Kamal Nath of aligning with the BJP is not a minor accusation. Some prominent leaders of the party believe that Kamal Nath and his family were intimidated by several ongoing cases, and after that, Kamal Nath deliberately showed laxity during the assembly elections, leading to the party’s defeat. This is a serious allegation that doesn’t easily go away. If it’s true, then anything can happen until the ticket distribution. During the assembly elections, Ala Kamal and his team, sitting in Delhi, had predetermined the results of all three states – Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh – even before the elections, causing more damage to the party.
Sunil Kanugolu, Rahul Gandhi’s surveyor, had already reported defeat in all states. Regarding Rajasthan, the situation was such that the entire Aalakaman, from Rahul to the organization’s general secretary Venugopal, had started saying even before the elections that Rajasthan would not get more than 40 seats. If Sachin Pilot supports, it may reach 50.
In other words, they had already laid down their weapons before fighting. The remaining work was completed by the design box. In Madhya Pradesh, Sunil Kanugolu did it. This means the situation in Congress is that instead of acknowledging their shortcomings, they blame others. Like the entire party blamed Kamal Nath for the defeat in Madhya Pradesh, citing ongoing cases against the family. Whether Kamal Nath stays in Congress or leaves, currently the situation in Madhya Pradesh is worrying for Congress, similar to 2019. While the in-charge of Madhya Pradesh, Jitendra Singh, announced Nukul Nath’s name for the Chhindwara seat, the game is still pending.