As Kamal Nath contemplates his future within the Congress, speculations arise about a potential switch to the BJP. The former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister faced setbacks during the Assembly elections in December, resulting in a decline in his standing within the party. Kamal Nath’s political journey, marked by successes and challenges, has seen him credited with uniting a faction-ridden state Congress and leading it to victory in the 2018 Assembly polls.
In 2018, Nath assumed leadership of the Madhya Pradesh Pradesh Congress Committee (MPPCC) ahead of the state elections, which were characterized by a lack of organization, factionalism, and inadequate party infrastructure. Drawing from his experience, Nath implemented block and booth-level management strategies and introduced a data-driven approach to campaigning. His projection as a Hanuman devotee and adoption of soft Hindutva were viewed as effective counters to the BJP’s Hindutva strategy.
However, the triumph was short-lived, as the Congress government faced a rebellion and collapsed within 15 months. The 2019 Lok Sabha elections saw the BJP sweeping Madhya Pradesh, raising doubts about Nath’s leadership. Allegations of centralization of power and insufficient consultation further tarnished his image within the party.
As the election in-charge during the Assembly polls in 2023, Nath faced challenges in ticket distribution and failed to pacify rebels within the Congress. His efforts to form meaningful alliances with other bloc members also fell short. Despite the ups and downs, Kamal Nath’s political acumen and negotiation skills have left an indelible mark on Madhya Pradesh politics.
