New Delhi: In a major blow to Congress party ahead of Lok Sabha Polls, former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Kamal Nath is rumoured to be joining the BJP with his son Nakul Nath. Speaking to media persons on Saturday, when asked about the speculation, the Congress veteran did not deny the grapevine and remarked, "I will tell you if there is any such thing." When pressed further on the matter and asked why he didn't deny the possibility of joining the BJP, he said, "Why are you all getting excited? It is not about denying. You will be the first to know if such a thing happens".
#WATCH | On being asked if he is joining BJP, former Madhya Pradesh CM and Congress leader Kamal Nath says "Why are you all getting excited? It is not about denying. I will inform you all if there is something like that..." pic.twitter.com/GK9uNIQVAL
— ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2024
Notably, after arriving at his residence in Delhi from Chhindwara, Kamal Nath left through the back door for a secrete meeting, sources said.
Meanwhile, BJP's Sikh leader Tajinder Bagga has refuted the rumours of Kamal Nath joining the BJP.
Congress Leaders Dismiss Speculation Of Kamal Nath's Exit
However, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh refuted the reports of Kamal Nath joining the BJP. He said, "I spoke to Kamal Nath at 10.30 pm yesterday, he is in Chhindwara. A person who started his political journey and stood with the Nehru-Gandhi family when Indira Gandhi was sent to jail, do you think he will ever leave Congress and the Gandhi family?"
Jitu Patwari, who replaced Kamal Nath as Madhya Pradesh Congress chief after the party's poll rout, also dismissed the reports remarking, "The reports are baseless. One cannot even dream that Indira Gandhi's third son (referring to Kamal Nath) would leave the Congress. Every Congress worker has worked under Kamal Nath's leadership just two months ago; he cannot leave them (Congress workers)."
Kamal Nath's Delhi Departure Led to Rumours
Earlier, Kamal Nath's departure for Delhi on Saturday afternoon sparked speculation. Rumors suggest that both he and his son, Nakul Nath, may be considering joining the BJP. Adding to the intrigue, Nakul Nath, a Lok Sabha MP, has removed all references to the Congress party from his social media page. During his stay in Delhi, Kamal Nath was anticipated to make significant decisions regarding his political future. Reports also indicated that he was likely to meet with top BJP leaders during the two-day BJP National Convention. Additionally, it was rumored that 10 to 12 MLAs, 2 city-unit presidents, and a mayor may also defect from the Congress party to join the BJP.
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Kamal Nath's alleged dissatisfaction with the Congress party has been further fueled with reports indicating that he was denied a Rajya Sabha seat, a decision that has reportedly upset him. Additionally, he allegedly received minimal communication from state Congress leaders, particularly when Jitu Patwari was appointed governor without much consultation with Nath.