Kamal Nath Switch to BJP; Congress within reach to take a fatal blow
The potential entrance of former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, ex-Union minister, and longtime Congress stalwart Kamal Nath into the BJP raises questions about what the BJP stands to gain from his expected defection, especially considering their recent decisive victory over the Congress in the state Assembly elections.
According to a prominent leader within the BJP, two significant factors are at play. Firstly, Kamal Nath’s switch, following closely on the heels of former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan’s, would signal a collapse within the Congress, portraying it as unable to retain even its former chief ministers. This move would further solidify the BJP’s image as the dominant political force in the country, outstripping its rivals. Secondly, insiders suggest that the cash-strapped Congress would suffer from losing Kamal Nath’s fundraising prowess, exacerbating its financial challenges amid a shrinking political footprint.
Explicitly focusing on Madhya Pradesh, a state BJP official noted that Kamal Nath is expected to bring along his loyalists from his stronghold of Chhindwara, as well as from Jabalpur and other areas. This anticipated defection would reinforce the perception of a crumbling Congress in yet another state where it has historically held sway, particularly following the departure of leaders aligned with Jyotiraditya Scindia to the BJP in the Chambal division.
Furthermore, it is observed that the Congress in Madhya Pradesh has traditionally comprised several factions, with the influence of figures like Arjun Singh waning and Digvijaya Singh facing criticism for his comments on Hindutva, which alienated some Hindu voters. With Scindia already having switched sides, Kamal Nath’s potential departure would leave the Congress without a significant regional anchor in the state, further widening the BJP’s opportunity for dominance.
On an anonymous note, a senior BJP official in Madhya Pradesh suggested that Kamal Nath, a seasoned political veteran at around 80 years old, is likely motivated by a desire for political survival. Joining the BJP would offer him a better chance to ensure the continuation of his political legacy through his son or daughter-in-law. Additionally, many BJP leaders note that Kamal Nath, whose political rise within the Congress was facilitated by his association with Sanjay Gandhi, needs more substantial ideological commitments. He is seen as among the Congress leaders embracing a softer form of Hindutva to challenge the BJP.
During the Assembly elections, Kamal Nath hinted at this approach in an interview with The Indian Express, suggesting that the Congress deserved recognition for the Ram Temple construction in Ayodhya. He pointed out that under Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure as Prime Minister, the locks of the Babri Masjid were opened, and the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) was allowed to perform the Sanyas ceremony for the temple. Kamal Nath’s remarks highlighted the nuanced political dynamics and his willingness to engage with themes traditionally associated with the BJP.
[Image Source: The Statesman]
