Changing political arithmetic in State... Speculations about other MLAs’ switch-over gaining ground

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Three things work in politics- respect, insult and self-respect. When these emotions come into play, a person changes his decisions...” said Sajjan Singh Verma, former Minister and prominent leader from Kamal Nath’s camp. With this statement, he headed for New Delhi. Most important part of his statement is, “When such a top politician who has done a lot for Congress and the nation in last 45 years, thinks of moving away from his party, then all three factors work behind it.” With Verma talking about ‘moving away’, now the big question in State’s political circles is, how many leaders will go? Verma also removed Congress’ symbol from his social media profile.

 

Since mega organisational overhaul in PCC after the election rout, a section of senior Congress leaders was upset. His supporters feel that Kamal Nath has been neglected since (2023 Assembly) elections. No one would have thought that Bhupesh Baghel would lose. “We lost in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, where we did not think we would lose. But why is only Kamal Nath being blamed for it?” one of his supporters and senior leader in the party asked.

 

Not only Kamal Nath, but it seems that stage is set for exodus from Pradesh Congress to the BJP as several stalwarts in Congress lost Assembly elections and some of them belong to Kamal Nath’s camp. They include Sajjan Singh Verma, Dinesh Gurjjar, Vijay Laxmi Sadho etc. Sources said that around 29 MLAs were poised to join the BJP which will definitely change the political dynamics in the State. The Congress has 66 seats in the Assembly while BJP has 163 seats. To prevent major loss, Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari and other top leaders are in contact with MLAs one-on-one to hear out their grievances either in personal or on phone to stem the exodus of leaders from their camp. As large number of MLAs switching over will weaken the Congress in the State and also shield the turncoats from the anti-defection law.