Kamal Nath to take MP elections in his stride

New Delhi: Far removed from the board meetings one is used to seeing him in, commerce minister Kamal Nath is negotiating his way into the top job in the Madhya Pradesh elections.

The shrewd politician knows that in the Congress, expressing one's ambitions publicly could raise too many eyebrows. So like his party, he is playing the guessing game.

Nath says, “I am just doing my job for the party. I am campaigning for the party. These things are not for me to say."

Kamal Nath has an edge and he is the king of the Mahakosal area with 57 assembly seats.

The Congress fared badly here in 2003. Kamal Nath is concentrating in this area, holding at least 6 rallies daily, subtly pointing out that being an industry minister he could get things done.

He wants to set up industries here and he has ensured that 68 of his nominees got tickets in case of a congress victory.

If most of his nominees manage to win, Kamalnath could actually be king.

However, Nath is aware that things may not be rosy, deals may not be clinched, and the march ahead of the BSP could be a major spoiler.

As commerce minister, Kamal Nath has fought hard for India's case. His firefighting skills are being put to test once again to ensure a win for his party facing a string of losses.

What could strengthen the commerce minister's case is the fact that former chief minister and the powerful general secretary Digvijay Singh has decided to pitch for Kamal Nath as chief minister.

His proximity to both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi could ensure that Sonia decides in the minister's favour.

The files are being flown down from Delhi. There are no pending files. He did not accompany the Prime Minister to Washington for the G 20 summit, knowing that with 2009 victory no guarantee for the UPA.

Being the chief minister of his state, he could ensure his future for the next five years. The corporate world can wait.

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