lok-sabha-elections

Updated: Apr 26, 2019 09:03 IST

Kamal Nath had represented Chhindwara almost continuously in Parliament for nearly 40 years until he took over as Madhya Pradesh chief minister in December. He only lost a bypoll to the seat in 1997.

Now, Kamal Nath’s son, Nakul Nath, 44, is the Congress candidate from Chhindwara trying to maintain the winning streak. Chhindwara is among the six seats in Madhya Pradesh going to the polls on April 29. Nakul is banking on his father’s legacy and makes it a point to refer to it in his speeches. “I will take forward the development work of my father…,’’ Nakul Nath told a gathering on the campaign trail on Wednesday.

Nakul campaigned in an open jeep. He addressed gatherings and interacted with people en route in sweltering 40 degree Celsius. He keeps his speeches short; they barely last three to five minutes. He has focused on health, employment and education. “Reopening of coal mines, a university and better healthcare facilities are some of my priorities,” he said, referring some coal mines which have been closed.

“This is the first time in India when a father is seeking votes for an assembly poll and son for Parliament… at the same time. I hope you bless me like you have been blessing my father for the past 40 years,” Nakul told the gathering.

Kamal Nath is contesting an assembly bypoll. He was not an assembly member when he took over as the chief minister and is required to become one within six months to continue in office.

At an election meeting, the CM asked people to tear his son’s clothes if he does not deliver.

The BJP has fielded tribal leader and former legislator Nathan Shah, 57. He is hoping to end Congress’s dominance in Chhindwara. “The father and son’s defeat is certain this time.’’

Shah alleged Kamal Nath has been winning the seats because of money power and by misleading the public with false assurances in the name of his closeness to the Gandhi family.

It, though, may not be easy for Shah as Congress won all seven assembly seats, including three seats reserved for ST and SC, under the parliamentary constituency, in the 2018 assembly elections. In 2018 and 2013 assembly elections, the BJP had won four of these seven seats.

Tribals account for about 27% of Chhindwara’s population.

Gondwana Gantantra Party (GGP)’s former legislator, Darbu Singh Uikey, said tribals are innocent people, who believe whatever powerful people say. GGP, which counts tribals among its core support base, won three assembly seats in Chhindwara in 2003. In 2014 LS polls, GGP polled only 2.1% votes in Chhindwara.

Syed Zaffar, a panchayat member, said Kamal Nath has been striving hard to develop the area since 1980. “We have a Chhindwara model of development which includes infrastructure and skill development to ensure employment.”

Rajkumar Hada, a trader, said they want Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre but hold Kamal Nath in high esteem.