Cracks out in open, Scindia has message for Kamal Nath
Congress returned to power in Madhya Pradesh after a long wait of 15 years. The government, run by Kamal Nath, isn't even a year old, but its problems are rising with every passing day. The latest example is the infighting for the post of Congress state chief. On one side is Jyotiraditya Scindia, and on another is Nath, who holds the plum post currently.
Scindia, with his royal lineage, enjoys huge support from his loyalists. After Congress somehow managed to attain a majority in MP, Scindia and Nath were the main contenders for the CM post. Nath, whom late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi called his "third son", got the post, and eventually, Scindia started eyeing the post of the chief of state Congress.
Supporters of the former MP from Guna have been openly backing him. Scindia loyalist and minister Imarti Devi said, "We won't be satisfied unless he is handed the key responsibility in Madhya Pradesh." There were rumors that Scindia threatened Congress' top brass that he might switch parties to join BJP if he is kept away from the post any longer.
The turmoil, going on for days now, took an interesting turn when Umang Singhar, the state forest minister, hit out at senior leader and former CM Digvijaya Singh. Singh, who is seen as "super CM" in political corridors, was called a "blackmailer" by Singhar. Singhar said CBI should investigate Singh, claiming he has been involved in illegal mining and liquor trade rackets.
Weighing in on Singhar's words, Scindia on Wednesday kept him at par with Singh. "The CM should listen to both sides (Singhar and Singh) and find a solution. We have toiled hard for 15 years to form the Congress government. It's not even six months... the government should work to fulfil aspirations of people and not brook outside interference," he said in Gwalior.
"Government should work freely and outside interference shouldn't be allowed at any cost. If there are differences it's CM's responsibility to bring two sides together and find a solution. The CM should listen to Umang ji and act on what the truth is," he said.
Notably, Scindia's statement comes after the state government said differences between Singhar and Singh have been sorted out. Nath had called Singhar at his residence on Tuesday, after which the latter said he apprised the CM about his views. Congress reportedly told its leaders to air grievances only on party forum. But Scindia's comments show the differences haven't been ironed out.
The tussle for the prestigious post peaked after Scindia openly backed BJP's move to abrogate Article 370 last month. He also met UPA Chairperson and interim Congress President Sonia Gandhi for discussions. On Tuesday, Scindia said, "Soniaji will take a call on MP Congress Chief. I had a talk with her. High command will take the decision, which would be accepted."
