Bhopal: Following a significant reshuffle in the Madhya Pradesh Congress, veteran leader Kamal Nath has been replaced as the state unit chief by Jitu Patwari, an Other Backward Class (OBC) leader.
This move arrives after the party's defeat in the recent state elections and is perceived as an effort to rejuvenate the party's prospects in the crucial state ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Jitu Patwari's selection, despite his loss in the Rau Assembly seat to a BJP candidate, is seen as an attempt to establish a fresh footing for the Congress in Madhya Pradesh, where OBCs represent a significant voter base. The shift in leadership raises speculations about the future role of Kamal Nath, a nine-time Lok Sabha MP and the former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, known for his substantial political influence.
The November elections witnessed a defeat for the Congress, securing only 66 seats in the 230-member Assembly against the BJP's 163, despite the latter's prolonged tenure in the state's governance for nearly two decades.
Amidst these changes, Deepak Baij remains the state unit chief in Chhattisgarh despite the party's loss. The appointments reflect a strategic approach towards caste balancing, as evident from the selection of Umang Singhar, a tribal leader, as the Leader of the Opposition, and Hemant Katare, seen as a move to retain Brahmin votes post Kamal Nath's replacement.
The Congress' official statement highlighted, "The Congress president has appointed Shri Jitu Patwari as the president of Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee, with immediate effect," while acknowledging Kamal Nath's contributions.
In Chhattisgarh, Deepak Baij retained his position, and Charan Das Mahant, an OBC leader, was appointed as the Congress Legislative Party leader.
These changes signify a strategic restructuring within the party hierarchy aimed at reinvigorating its regional leadership and addressing caste-based representation in key positions.