We are not playing any hindutva card

KAMAL NATH'S HOME office in Bhopal's Shymala Hills is abuzz with a steady stream of visitors. The bell inside rings constantly, informing his office staff he is ready to meet the next batch of people. The former chief minister is meeting everybody, from constituents to youth-wing members to ticket seekers to party functionaries and also supporters of disappointed ticket aspirants. What is drawing people to this posh enclave is the whiff of a possible victory and the fact that he is the Congress's undisputed chief ministerial face in the assembly elections.

- SONI MISHRA

Visitors have to leave their phones in a tray in the waiting area. He clearly feels he can do without unnecessary controversies in the crucial election.

At 76, he is leading his party's campaign from the front. Time is of the essence for Kamal Nath, who will soon be travelling out of Bhopal. In the midst of a hectic schedule, the state Congress president talks exclusively to THE WEEK, exuding confidence that the people of Madhya Pradesh will avenge the toppling of his government in 2020.

Kamal Nath says the people are fed up with the 18-year-old rule of the BJP and realise that this election is about the future of Madhya Pradesh. He rejects the idea that he has played the hindutva card in this election, saying religion has no place in politics. He also seeks to downplay the visit of controversial religious leader Baba Bageshwar to Chhindwara district, his stronghold, insisting he was just being a good host.

Amid the buzz about tensions between him and party veteran Digvijaya Singh, he insists they are old friends and the remark about tearing of clothes was made in jest. Edited excerpts:

Q/ At the outset, I want to ask you whether I am talking to the next chief minister of Madhya Pradesh.

A/ You should ask the people of Madhya Pradesh, not me. The people of Madhya Pradesh will decide the chief minister. And I have full confidence and faith in the people because this is not an election of merely a candidate or merely a party. This election, which the people are realising, is about the future of Madhya Pradesh.

Q/ Is this election also about avenging what happened in 2020? Your government was toppled. It must also be a personal battle for you.