Former Madhya Pradesh CM and Congress leader Kamal Nath.
Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, rattled by the departure of his aides from the Congress in his stronghold of Chhindwara, has accused the ruling BJP of engaging in deceitful tactics. In a recent post on social media, Nath alleged that the BJP was leveraging financial, muscle, and administrative resources to intimidate opposition leaders ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
Nath’s outcry came after several of his trusted associates, including MLA Kamlesh Shah and Chhindwara Mayor Vikram Ahake, defected to the BJP. Shah made the move last Friday, while Ahake followed suit on Monday.
Representing Chhindwara in the Lok Sabha for a record nine terms, Kamal Nath has been a prominent figure in Madhya Pradesh politics. In the 2019 general elections, Chhindwara was the sole seat won by the Congress in the state, with Nath’s son, Nakul Nath, currently serving as the constituency’s Member of Parliament.
Responding to speculations about his alleged discussions with the BJP, Kamal Nath emphasized his commitment to developing Chhindwara, expressing concern that the BJP aimed to transform the region into a battleground rather than a place of progress.
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Nath asserted, “Before every election, the BJP resorts to deceitful tactics and manipulation, but the election results will demonstrate that the people of Chhindwara have aptly punished the BJP for their actions.”
In contrast, BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya, present in Chhindwara, declared that the populace sought liberation from the Congress. He expressed confidence in the BJP’s prospects, stating, “The lotus will surely flourish, and people are tired of the autocracy of a single family. We pledge to offer them security. The people desire progress and place their trust in the BJP-led government… They yearn to break free from the Congress.”
The Congress has nominated Nakul Nath as their candidate for the Lok Sabha seat, while the BJP has fielded Vivek Bunty Sahu.
Congress leaders join BJP
Last week, Congress leader Kamlesh Shah, a three-term MLA from Amarwara in Chhindwara district, along with his wife, Harrai Nagar Palika chairperson Madhvi Shah, and sister, district panchayat member Kesar Netam, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
On Monday, Chhindwara mayor Vikram Ahake also joined the BJP in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
Yadav alleged that Shah’s decision to join the BJP stemmed from an insult by Nakul Nath to the tribal community.
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In response to Yadav’s claims, BJP leader Prahlad Patel criticized Kamal Nath for his remarks.
“Those involved in politics in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, and the country are well aware of Kamal Nath’s tactics. I proudly declare that in 2004, I put an end to Kamal Nath’s reign of terror. Chhindwara has witnessed the oppression of BJP workers,” Patel told PTI.
Rumors had circulated that Kamal Nath and Nakul Nath might leave the Congress to join the BJP. Nakul Nath had even unilaterally announced his candidacy from the seat. However, both later dismissed the rumors as false.
