From Congress Denial To BJP’s Mixed Signals, Speculation Mounts Over Kamal Nath's ‘Switch’ — Updates
Amid reports of senior Congress leader Kamal Nath's potential switch to the BJP, the Congress has vehemently denied the speculation while mixed signals emerged from the saffron party.
The political corridors are abuzz with speculations surrounding the potential switch of senior Congress leader Kamal Nath to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Speculation gained momentum after Kamal Nath refused to decline the possibility during a brief interaction with the media, coupled with his son Nakul Nath removing affiliation to Congress from his social media bio.
Kamal Nath's Refusal To Deny Reports, Congress Dismisses Speculation
Addressing reporters who asked about reports of the potential switch to the BJP, Kamal Nath stated, "If there would be any such thing, I would inform you first." His statement neither confirmed nor denied the rumours, but emphasised his intent to keep the media informed.
When directly asked why he didn't deny the possibility of joining the BJP, the former Madhya Pradesh chief minister 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
As per inputs, along with Nath and his son, 10 to 12 MLAs, 2 city-unit presidents and a mayor are also expected to leave Congress and join the BJP.
The Congress, however, downplayed the speculations, highlighting Kamal Nath's longstanding association with the party.
Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijaya Singh echoed similar sentiments, refuting the rumours as mere media fabrications. Singh reaffirmed Nath's allegiance to the Congress, stressing his historical alignment with the Nehru-Gandhi family.
VIDEO | Here's what Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said when asked about reports of Kamal Nath joining the BJP.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 17, 2024
"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… pic.twitter.com/f3LuKHzh8X
Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari underlined the deep-rooted ties between Kamal Nath and the Congress, recalling former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's affectionate regard for Nath as her "third son." Patwari dismissed the notion of Nath defecting to the BJP, citing his unwavering support for the Congress during challenging times.
VIDEO | Here's what Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari said amid reports of senior party leader Kamal Nath joining BJP.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 17, 2024
"The reports are baseless. One cannot even dream that Indira Gandhi's third son (referring to Kamal Nath) will leave the Congress. Every Congress… pic.twitter.com/oiKzmGckCZ
Patwari reaffirmed Nath's loyalty, stating, "Can you dream of the third son of Indiraji (Gandhi) joining the BJP?" More On It: 'Indira Gandhi's Third Son...': MP Congress Chief Amid Buzz Over Kamal Nath Jumping Ship
Nakul Nath's Social Media Update Fuels Exit Rumours
Adding fuel to the speculation, Nakul Nath, Kamal Nath's son and Member of Parliament for Chhindwara, removed mentions of the Congress from his social media bio. This move ignited further rumours suggesting a potential defection of both father and son to the BJP.
BJP's Mixed Signals On Rumours Of Kamal Nath's Move
State BJP president VD Sharma's recent comments fueled the speculation further as he remarked that Kamal Nath and his son would be welcomed into the BJP fold if they were dissatisfied with the Congress's decisions to boycott the Ram mandir consecration event in Ayodhya.
"Kamal Nath and his son are welcome in BJP if they are unhappy with their party's decision to boycott Ram Temple inauguration last month and if they want to join the saffron party to serve the country and society under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi," the MP BJP chief remarked, as per news agency PTI.
However, another BJP leader Tajjinder Bagga vehemently denied the reports saying, "News of Kamalnath joining BJP is fake."
News of Kamalnath joining BJP is fake
— Tajinder Bagga (@TajinderBagga) February 17, 2024
Kamal Nath Unhappy Over Rajya Sabha Snub, Reports Suggest
Recent developments indicate a rift within the Congress ranks. Nath's dissatisfaction reportedly stems from his failure to secure a Rajya Sabha berth and simmering tensions with Rahul Gandhi, exacerbated by the party's dismal performance in the late 2019 assembly polls. Following the Congress's defeat in these elections, wherein the BJP retained power by winning 163 seats out of the 230-member House, Nath was replaced as the party's Madhya Pradesh unit chief. The Congress managed to secure only 66 seats, further deepening internal fissures within the party.
In the 2019 general elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a resounding victory, clinching 28 out of the 29 Lok Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh, with the lone exception being Chhindwara. Kamal Nath, a seasoned politician, has had a storied political career, marked notably by his association with three generations of the Gandhi family. His rapport with the Gandhis dates back to 1979 when then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi affectionately referred to him as her "third son."
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