Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari vehemently refuted the speculation surrounding former Chief Minister Kamal Nath's purported shift to the BJP, asserting that such notions are unfounded and unthinkable even in the realm of dreams. Patwari emphasized the profound connection Kamal Nath shares with the Congress, recalling former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's endearing portrayal of him as her "third son" during his initial foray into electoral contests back in 1980.
"The rumors circulating are utterly baseless. It is beyond comprehension to entertain the idea that Kamal Nath, whom Indira Gandhi regarded as her 'third son,' would ever part ways with the Congress. Can we even fathom that the very leader who led us in the recent assembly elections would consider abandoning the party?" Patwari passionately exclaimed.
Highlighting Kamal Nath's unwavering commitment to the Congress, Patwari juxtaposed his loyalty with the episode involving Jyotiraditya Scindia's defection in 2020, emphasizing Kamal Nath's steadfast adherence to Congress ideology. Unlike Scindia, Patwari underscored, that Kamal Nath is deeply entrenched in Congress principles and is not swayed by prospects of power or position.
"Kamal Nath epitomizes Congress ideology. He is not driven by personal ambition or political expediency like Scindia. The notion of him abandoning the party is utterly erroneous," Patwari reiterated.
Delving into Kamal Nath's extensive history with the Congress, Patwari traced their association back to the 1970s, when Kamal Nath forged a close bond with Sanjay Gandhi during their days at Dehradun's Doon School. Patwari accentuated Kamal Nath's unwavering allegiance to the Congress over 45 years, emphasizing his pivotal role in both moments of triumph and adversity. Kamal Nath's tenure as the state party chief for seven years exemplifies his deep-rooted commitment to the Congress cause, Patwari affirmed.
Furthermore, Patwari dispelled rumors suggesting Kamal Nath's discontent over not securing a Rajya Sabha nomination, attributing the decision to nominate Ashok Singh to Kamal Nath himself. Singh, a trusted member of the state party unit, formally submitted his nomination for the Rajya Sabha polls on Thursday, underscoring the cohesive functioning within the Congress ranks.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Sajjan Singh Verma, a close confidant of Kamal Nath, downplayed speculations regarding his potential departure from the Congress, hinting at underlying sentiments of dissatisfaction within the party. Verma elucidated the dynamics of politics, emphasizing the significance of respect, insult, and self-respect, suggesting that any decision to part ways with the party would be rooted in these fundamental aspects.
