Shruti Suman
Verma addressed the media on Monday, refuting claims that the seasoned Congress leader was considering a switch to the BJP after over 40 years with the Congress. He affirmed that both Kamal Nath and his son Nakul Nath have no intentions of joining the Bharatiya Janata Party and reaffirmed Nakul Nath’s candidacy for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, under the Congress banner. Verma’s statements come amid increasing conjecture that both Kamal Nath and Nakul Nath might defect to the ruling BJP.
After meeting Nath at his residence, Verma informed reporters that he had a comprehensive discussion with the Congress veteran, who expressed his plans to convene a meeting in Bhopal to ensure the success of Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.
Regarding media speculation, Verma quoted Nath as dismissing it as baseless, stating, “Why should I respond to a hypothetical question?”
Nath’s arrival in Delhi on Saturday led to questions from reporters, to which he responded by urging them not to jump to conclusions. When asked about joining the BJP, Nath replied, “If there were any such plans, I would inform you first.” Known for his political acumen and long-standing association with the Gandhi family, Nath’s dissatisfaction reportedly stems from not securing a Rajya Sabha seat and a strained relationship with Rahul Gandhi following the Congress’s defeat in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections last year.
Following the party’s loss in the Assembly polls, Nath was replaced as the Madhya Pradesh unit chief. The Congress, which managed to secure only 66 seats out of 230, was defeated by the BJP, which retained power by winning 163 seats.
NI Bureau
