Beginning on February 20th, a series of high-profile leaders from opposition parties, including the Congress, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), are anticipated to bolster the ranks of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), according to a senior BJP insider. This wave of defections is projected to continue until the end of the month, with February 29 marking the culmination, a senior BJP leader confirmed.
“Not only sitting MPs and MLAs but also recently elected MLAs are poised to join the BJP. Take note of my words,” the source told Organiser.
This shift is expected to transcend party lines, signifying a significant realignment in the political landscape.
The development follows intense speculation surrounding the potential defection of Congress stalwart Kamal Nath and his son Nakul to the saffron party. On Saturday, Kamal Nath further fueled speculation by cryptically stating to reporters, “I stated yesterday that if such a thing were to occur, I would inform you all. I have not engaged with anyone.”
Furthermore, the senior BJP source hinted at the interest expressed by an articulate Congress leader, formerly a Union Minister during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime. “As of now, discussions from our end have not commenced,” the source disclosed.
Speculations have also swirled around the potential defections of BSP’s Lalganj MP Sangeeta Azad and Ambedkar Nagar MP Ritesh Pandey to the BJP. Notably, Azad comes from a lineage deeply rooted in the BSP’s founding principles.
The most recent addition to the BJP’s roster was former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, previously associated with the Congress. Chavan has been nominated by the BJP for the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls.
The BJP’s two-day National Conclave concluded on Sunday, with the official slogan of “Fir Ek Baar, Modi Sarkar” (Once Again, Modi Government) underscoring the party’s ambition to secure 370 seats in the upcoming elections.
Meanwhile, the looming possibility of Kamal Nath’s departure from the Congress has dominated headlines. Sources have indicated that both Kamal Nath and his MP son Nakul Nath have reached a decision, which they plan to announce independently within the next few days. Maintaining a veil of secrecy, neither Kamal Nath nor his supporters have divulged any information prior to the impending announcement. Sources suggest that this political saga, unfolding over several months, has now reached its zenith, following protracted deliberations and negotiations on various fronts.
Insiders within the Congress and Kamal Nath’s inner circle have intimated that the impending decision holds significant gravity and sensitivity. Consequently, no official statements have been made thus far, with Kamal Nath himself expected to address the matter imminently.
It has been noted that discontent simmers not only within the Congress but also among senior leaders in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, echoing Kamal Nath’s silence. Speculation is rife that several leaders, disillusioned by the party’s recent electoral defeats, may follow suit, attributing the losses to misguided leadership decisions.
An internal report within the Congress has shed light on several critical issues, including flaws in caste-based campaigning during assembly elections. Prior concerns regarding Kamal Nath’s purported dissatisfaction over the party’s unilateral decision-making, particularly in the nomination of Ashok Singh for the Rajya Sabha elections, have resurfaced.
However, despite mounting speculation, senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh remains steadfast in his belief that Kamal Nath will not abandon the Congress fold. Singh cited Kamal Nath’s enduring association with the Nehru-Gandhi family as a testament to his unwavering allegiance to the party.
The intensifying buzz surrounding Kamal Nath’s potential transition to the BJP gained momentum following social media activity. A photograph posted by Kamal Nath’s former media advisor Narendra Saluja, featuring Kamal Nath and his son Nakul with the caption “Jai Shri Ram,” stirred further speculation. Meanwhile, Nakul Nath, the sitting MP from Chhindwara, removed references to the Congress from his social media bio, adding fuel to the conjecture.
This impending political upheaval may deal another blow to the Congress ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Reports suggest that Kamal Nath, feeling marginalised within the party, especially following the BJP’s resurgence in Madhya Pradesh, may consider taking several loyal MLAs with him. Notably, Sonkatch MLA Sajjan Singh Verma, purportedly aligned with Kamal Nath, has removed Congress affiliations from his social media profiles amidst ongoing speculation.
In response, the BJP has expressed a willingness to welcome Kamal Nath and Nakul Nath into its fold, emphasising its commitment to accommodating individuals aligned with its ideology under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. State BJP President VD Sharma underscored the party’s receptiveness, particularly towards those disenchanted with the Congress’s stance on issues like the consecration ceremony of Lord Rama. Sharma reiterated the party’s open-door policy, extending a cordial invitation to potential defectors, irrespective of their stature within the Congress hierarchy.
Senior Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu was reportedly on the verge of joining the BJP ranks in anticipation of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Sources suggest that the former Punjab Congress chief, along with three other state MLAs, is considering switching allegiances as early as next week. This development emerges amidst mounting pressure for disciplinary measures against Sidhu, prompted by his independent rallies and parallel meetings.
A succinct message from Sidhu shared on X, announced plans for a press conference addressing farmer issues at his residence in Patiala, 26 Yadavindra Colony, Mall Road, scheduled for 12:15 noon, inviting all concerned parties to attend.
These reports surfaced shortly after notable Congress figures, including Ashok Chavan, Milind Deora, and C Raghunath, recently crossed over to the BJP. Speculations abound that former minister in MP Sajjan Singh Verma signalled their alignment by removing references to Congress from their social media profiles over the weekend.
Citing insider sources a recent media report indicates that senior party members are pushing for disciplinary action against Sidhu in response to his recent behaviour. This development stems from Sidhu’s absence from a crucial meeting of the Punjab Congress Election Committee, opting instead to convene a parallel gathering to assert his influence, subsequently sharing images from the event on social media.
However, from sources in the BJP, it has been made very clear that there is no space for Sidhu in the party even in the barrage of MPs and MLAs who are going to join the party in the following week.
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