“The era of Kalyug has passed, along with it, the Congress party’s dominance. The dawn of Ram Rajya has arrived, and the fulfillment of ‘Mandir Wahin Banayenge’ stands as a testament to PM Modi’s leadership in our nation. Every stride Modi ji takes is noteworthy; his victories resound across the land, as if he wields a mesmerising charm, a ‘Modi Mohini,’” expressed an elderly from a village in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara to Organiser. His frustration swell against those who still cast their votes for Kamal Nath, oblivious to the hardships endured during the Congress regime.
Chhindwara has long been Congress’s stronghold since 1952, with the exception of a single loss in 1997, when former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Sundar Lal Patwa edged out Kamal Nath by a slim margin, else he has held the seat since 1980. Despite the Modi wave sweeping through 2014 and 2019, this seat remained firmly in Congress’s grasp. Even the recent Vidhan Sabha elections mirrored this trend.
However, a closer scrutiny reveals that the winning margins fail to reflect Kamal Nath’s stature, highlighting the BJP’s persistent efforts to breach his fortress. In 2019, Nath’s son and incumbent MP from Chhindwara, Nakul Nath, narrowly defeated the BJP candidate, Natan Shah, by 37,563 votes. This was a stark contrast to the 2014 elections, where the BJP candidate trailed by nearly 1 lakh votes. Additionally, Chhindwara witnessed a significant number of NOTA votes in both elections, if turned in favour they can become deciding factor.
This time, the BJP has nominated Vivek ‘Bunty’ Sahu, who has contested against Kamal Nath in two assembly elections, one of which led Nath to the Chief Minister’s office. In the 2023 elections, Bunty fell short by a mere 36,500 votes. He is affectionately known as “Bunty Bhaiya” and is seen as a problem-solver by the locals. While many still support Nath for his unwavering dedication to the people of Chhindwara, irrespective of their political or social affiliations, the winds of change are palpable. Some whisper in uncertainty, while others boldly align themselves with PM Modi’s ‘Vijay Rath,’ the BJP looks determined to achieve the unthinkable—defeating Kamal Nath.
Ground visit to Chhindwara
With limited train access, I reached the distant town of Madhya Pradesh by boarding a train called “Patalkot Express” from Bhopal on April 17. The overnight journey brought me to my destination. Upon arrival, the town welcomed me with a vibrant display of saffron flags, ornate decorations, and towering posters of Shri Ram, courtesy of various local organisations and political factions. My rickshaw driver proudly informed me that Chhindwara hosts the most spectacular Ram Navami celebrations in the state. As a resident, I found it particularly enchanting, reminiscent of the fervour seen during the “January 22” festivities.
What truly intrigued me were the ubiquitous posters of Kamal Nath alongside statues of Hanuman Ji and Bhagwan Ram, not just those of the BJP. The bustling market echoed with religious processions and fervent rallies, resonating with chants of devotion. Despite my attempts to engage with the participants, they were engrossed in dancing and singing devotional hymns. Eventually, a group of four men paused to converse, among them was Ajay Vandewar.
I inquired about the ‘political wave’ in Chhindwara and the likelihood of the BJP securing all 29 seats. Ajay said, “Yes indeed, the BJP will surely make it to the magical figure, Chhidwara will require special attention. There is a significant tribal population in the town and special attention is required. He named Amarwada, Junnardeo and other regions. Many defections have been made in this region but still, the saffron party will have to work here to take it to the magical numbers,” he added.
As I entered one of the colonies called Fokat Nagar, the walls were adorned with slogans supporting both the BJP and the Congress. One read, “Jan Jan ki yahi pukar hai, Nakul Nath ji fir ek baar..ladli behna kare pukar, kab milenge teen hazar.” Wall paintings supporting BJP asked people to vote for their very own “Bunty Bhaiya.”
Over 8,000 Congress members joined BJP
Before meeting Ajay, I visited the BJP office and met some of the party workers and officials there. One of them, Alkesh Lamba, Jila Karyalaya Mantri, told Organiser that, among tribes, certain presumptions have been addressed by the party workers over time. In the last few months, as many as eight thousand Congress leaders and workers have joined the BJP, many of whom hail from tribal pockets only.
Lamba specifically mentioned prominent defectors such as Kamlesh Shah from Amarwada, Deepak Saxena, known as the “Hanuman of Kamalnath,” Manmohan Bhatti, Vikram Ahake the Mayor who came with 11 councillors, Banti Patel, and Neeraj Patel. The exodus was most pronounced in the Amarwada and Harrai regions, dealing a significant blow to the Congress party.
Breaking down the defections by region, a substantial 3000 workers from Shehpura, 2500 from Deepak Saxena’s stronghold, and over 1500 from Harrai had joined the BJP.
In February, speculation swirled around Kamal Nath potentially switching allegiance due to dissatisfaction with his Rajya Sabha membership and a ticket for his son. However, BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya unequivocally stated that there was no room for Kamal Nath in the saffron party.
Organiser went to Bangaon, the area known to be influenced by Deepak Saxena and met the sarpanch, Manoj Sahu. He said, the region used to be a stronghold for Congress, as 90 per cent of the voters used to vote for it. But this time, things have changed, and they will all vote for PM Modi. Asked why, Sahu said, “Because he made the dream of having Ram Mandir come true, he wears Hindutva unapologetically and has made the name of our country.”
Deciding Tribal influence
Chhindwara is home to around 37 per cent of the Vanvasi community, comprising mainly Gond, Mavasi, Bhil, and Bhariya tribes. When combined with the Scheduled Caste population, this figure rises to approximately 42 per cent of the total populace. Since the 1950s, this segment of society has traditionally been the Congress party’s staunch supporter.
However, this perception has undergone a transformation due to the concerted efforts of both grassroots party workers and the implementation of various schemes and benefits by the central government. The Vanvasi community, long neglected, is receiving attention under PM Modi like never before.
Organiser visited Kubdi village where 90 per cent of houses belong to tribals, situated within the Nandodi panchayat of Chhidwara district, and engaged with several residents. Sirju Bharti, a member of the Bhariya Janjati, affirmed, “I am 28 and will vote for the Modi government.” Standing outside his partially constructed house, a beneficiary of the “Pradhan Mantri Awas Scheme,” Bharti shared that the village boasts around a hundred such houses. Although the panchayat has a school, there is no hospital. According to the latest data, approximately 75 houses have been built in the village under the PM Awas scheme.
Among the other beneficiaries are Mankar, Kumbhakaran and Sati Bharti, Chandra Lal, Meena, and many more. All those encountered by the correspondent expressed their intention to vote for Modi, as he is the one providing them with ration, kisan samman nidhi, pension for Bhariya tribe and got them a pucca house.
Organiser also conversed with a representative from Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, an initiative by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) dedicated to the upliftment of the Vanvasi community. He highlighted the awareness programs launched in regions like Junnardeo and Patalkot, which were susceptible to missionary conversions. These initiatives focus on educating people about their rights and available benefits, as well as facilitating their access to central and state government schemes.
The urban air
Despite being categorised as a tier-3 city, Chhindwara boasts amenities akin to those found in tier-2 cities. Notably, not a single road linking the main arteries of the city bears potholes. The renowned Ring Road of Chhindwara, envisioned by Kamal Nath himself, serves as the city’s lifeline. Encircling the entirety of the city, this road acts as its boundary, providing direct connectivity to Nagpur, Jabalpur, Bhopal, Raipur, and other urban centres, thus minimising travel time significantly.
While a substantial portion of the city’s voters staunchly supports the BJP, the Congress has also garnered considerable backing. Ashish Choudhary remarked, “Nakul Nath is winning from here because of the work Kamal Nath has done for Chhindwara. The Modi wave never worked here, it is the work that speaks for itself.” When queried about Kamal Nath’s achievements, some cited the establishment of a Medical College, while others cited the overall development of the town. However, the BJP contends that it was during their tenure that several companies invested in Chhindwara, and the medical college was established under former CM Shivraj Singh’s rule.
Gagan Jain from Singodi asserted, “Bunty Bhaiya is poised for a clean sweep due to his accessibility to the common people. He resides in the heart of the city, and his office doors are open to all. Unlike Kamal Nath, whose residence lies on the outskirts, Bunty Bhaiya is a man of the people. He will pave the way for a brighter future for Chhindwara. Kamal Nath has fulfilled his role, now it’s time for change. People voted for Kamal Nath, not Nakul Nath.”
Barsati Patel, who was standing next to Gagan, said that since the announcements for the polling have been made, Nakul Nath has landed from his lavishing chopper over 200 times. He knows nothing about the Chhidwara, who lives in the villages and forests. “How will he help us?” he questioned.
Notably, before the elections, Nakul Nath declared his assets worth 717 crore, which makes him the richest candidate in the first phase of polling. He always travels with his chopper. This is what Patel was talking about in his statement. Off the camera, he questioned, “How come Nakul Nath has made so much property and maintains Rajshahi. It is all because of Kamal Nath,” he claimed.
Gagan, who backed Bunty, said, “Bunty Bhaiya, if catches you by the street, he will stop and talk to you; he has no chopper, he lives like a common man, this is what makes him different,” Gagan and Patel entered into a small debate.
When this correspondent visited Chhindwara, polling was due within two days and every nook and corner had political discussions going on. Unfortunately, many of them were reluctant to say things on camera or get clicked but they did have some opinions about the elections.
Who wears true Hindutva?
Congress has had a history of minority appeasement and by rejecting the Ram Mandir invitation, they have proved their loyalty once again. Kamal Nath on the other hand, goes opposite to this narrative and calls himself ‘Hanuman Bhakt.’
He has also installed a statue of Hanuman Ji in Chhidwara following a fatal accident on the same spot. He takes parikrama of the statue, every time before leaving the town. He also claims to have sent Ram Shilas for Ram Mandir construction.
Notably, the BJP plans to develop ‘Hanuman lok’ resembling to ‘Mahakal Lok’ built in Ujjain. The announcement was made by former CM Chouhan during 2023 polls.
While speaking to Organiser, Bunty Sahu questioned Kamal Nath’s Hindutva, asking where he was on January 22?
He added, that nothing else is required, just ask him where the ‘Hanuman Bhakt‘ was on January 22, when Ram Lalla returned to his home in Ayodhya.
Party’s top brass in action
The BJP has done everything it can to win this battle against Nath. They have not won this seat since the 1990s but have not lost hope as yet. From the Chief Minister of the state, Mohan Yadav, to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, all have visited Chhindwara. The BJP party chief, JP Nadda, also visited the town.
Former CM Chouhan, after the assembly polls reached Chhindwara, said he had only one job left and that was to give all 29 seats to the centre from Madhya Pradesh.
What to expect?
Setting aside historical precedent, there’s a noticeable shift in perception towards the BJP in the region. Despite enduring over 45 years of consecutive losses, the party’s recent efforts have shown tangible progress, particularly evident in the past two elections.
In the previous election, as party members assert, Nath’s victory in the state elections was attributed to his assertion of becoming the CM. However, this time around, there’s a palpable change in the atmosphere. Both at the state and central levels, the BJP holds sway, and the people in the region are clamouring for more development.
Another prevailing perception is encapsulated in the phrase, “Yes to Kamal Nath but no to Nakul.” While Kamal Nath is lauded for his personal interventions, such as covering educational expenses and medical bills for numerous individuals, sentiments have shifted. Many feel they have extended enough loyalty to the Nath family and now seek change. Several of Nath’s close associates have defected from the party, citing dissatisfaction with Nakul Nath’s behaviour, according to insiders speaking anonymously.
Furthermore, some within the BJP harbour resentment towards the party’s decision to absorb numerous Congress leaders while overlooking their own party workers. Nevertheless, when it comes to national interests, they rally behind Modi and function as a cohesive unit.
What may come as a surprise is the BJP’s potential performance in the interior regions and tribal areas. There’s a possibility of a role reversal, wherein urban factions may lean towards Nath while rural areas steadfastly support PM Modi.
Tomorrow, the fates of both junior Nath and Bunty Sahu will be sealed in the EVMs. However, the BJP stands a strong chance of achieving the improbable—ousting Nath from his bastion in Chhindwara.
Comments