Kamal Nath, Son Spark Buzz of Congress Exodus as MLAs Flock to Delhi

New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Kamal Nath and his son Nakul Nath have ignited speculation of a defection to the ruling BJP, as half a dozen MLAs loyal to Nath landed in Delhi on Sunday. This move comes amidst whispers of simmering discontent within the Nath camp following his removal as state party president after the Congress’ November election defeat.

Three MLAs from Nath’s bastion of Chhindwara and another three from the region are reportedly part of the Delhi contingent, sources say. Adding fuel to the fire, former state minister Deepak Saxena expressed hurt over Nath’s sidelining and pledged support for his leader’s future decisions. Further raising eyebrows, another Nath loyalist, Vikram Verma, posted “Jai Shri Ram” on his social media profile, echoing the BJP’s slogan.

The potential exodus could have significant ramifications. With efforts to gather the support of 23 MLAs, Nath may circumvent anti-defection laws, dealing a major blow to the Congress, which currently holds 66 seats in the 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly.

This scenario mirrors the 2020 event where Jyotiraditya Scindia’s defection with loyal MLAs toppled the Nath-led Congress government.