Call it 'Karnataka effect' or the strategy of Congress to keep at bay those trying to destabilise the government, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath seems to have taken up the cudgels in defence of his government.
After many BJP leaders, especially former ministers, commented on the longevity of the new government, the CM warned the BJP to keep its flock together instead of trying to pull down the Congress government.
A section of BJP leaders were quoted by the media saying that they have numbers to bring down the Congress government. Former minister and BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya recently said that he can bring down the Congress government in 15 days, provided his high command allows him to do so. “We are waiting for the signal from our top,” he said.
To this Kamal Nath said, “I am hearing regular statements from BJP leaders that they can topple my government any day. I ask them to not worry about the Congress and instead look inside their house.” The statement was given on Tuesday at the beginning of a loan waiver programme for farmers. According to sources, some BJP MLAs have been waiting to switch sides at the opportune moment.
Further, Kamal Nath said, “The BJP had run away from division of votes in the assembly last week as they did not have enough numbers. This proves that they are frustrated.”
Earlier, newly appointed leader of opposition, Gopal Bhargav, had claimed that the Congress government will fall even before the new bungalows of Congress ministers get whitewashed and ready for their occupation.
In reply to Bhargav’s jibe, PWD Minister Sajjan Verma said, “After whitewashing we will enter the new bungalows where the BJP leaders will have enough work for mopping and cleaning.”
Former PCC chief Arun Yadav said, “It seems the BJP’s earnest desire to come back to power in Madhya Pradesh by breaking the Congress, is making a section of its former ministers restless.”
In the first session of state assembly, just before the election of speaker, Congress leader Digvijay Singh had alleged that the BJP was trying to buy some of their MLAs. The Congress had secured 121 votes out of 230 in the session.
Singh charged former minister Narottam Mishra and Vishwas Sarang of indulging in horse trading. He even gave the name of the Congress MLA who was approached by the BJP leaders. When the BJP questioned Singh's allegations, the former chief minister said that he had proof of the BJP indulging in horse trading.
Despite allegations and counter allegations, the Congress government is firmly in saddle with 121 MLAs on its side. BJP has 109 MLAs in the house of 230. Kamal Nath said, “I assure the BJP and all those who have doubts that we have chalked out our programme for five years and that the government has no issue of longevity.”
