Ever since former JNU student leader Kanhaiya Kumar decided to take up serious politicking by contesting the 2019 Lok Sabha polls on a CPI ticket, speculation has always existed on his future plans.
Earlier this year, there were claims Kanhaiya could join the JD(U). More recently came reports Kanhaiya was eyeing a move to the Congress. On September 9, Kanhaiya told Hindustan Times, "There is no truth in it (him moving to Congress). I am in mainstream politics and am a member of a registered national party. When in politics, one interacts with so many people..."
The speculation then was triggered by Kanhaiya meeting some young Congress functionaries.
Despite Kanhaiya's denial, the buzz continues. On Monday, ANI reported Kanhaiya was in talks with Congress leaders to switch over. "If all goes well, a meeting will be arranged with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi after which he may join the party," ANI reported. The Congress was reported to be wooing Kanhaiya given his charisma, particularly among youth. ANI reported the Congress had courted Kanhaiya to switch over during last year's Assembly polls.
Last week, Hindustan Times reported Kanhaiya had met Rahul Gandhi "twice in the recent past" and election strategist Prashant Kishor was present at the meetings. Interestingly, the Congress is believed to be debating on whether to induct Kishor into the party in a senior role. Kanhaiya had downplayed his ties to Prashant Kishor, telling Hindustan Times last week, "we have been interacting often after my defeat in the Lok Sabha elections of 2019".
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Kanhaiya's relationship with the CPI frayed after the party censured him for indiscipline in January. "The censure motion was taken up after Kanhaiya’s supporters had roughed up Indu Bhushan, the office secretary, in the party office at Patna on December 1. Local leaders said Bhushan was attacked because the Begusarai district council meeting had been postponed and Kanhaiya had not been informed about the change," Hindustan Times reported. Kanhaiya had contested the 2019 Lok Sabha election from Begusarai, but lost to the BJP's candidate.
