Madhya Pradesh Congress stares at new power struggle after Jhabua victory

PWD Minister Sajjan Singh Varma, a confidant of the CM, on Monday demanded that Bhuria be made the PCC chief because he has held the post in the past and knows how to take people along. But more than Bhuria’s praise, the demand is significant because it seeks to keep away former Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Scindia has avoided staking claim in public but is keen on holding the post, especially after his defeat in the Lok Sabha elections from Guna constituency. After the Congress returned to power, Scindia’s supporters had stressed that he had an equal role in the victory and demanded that he be given his due.

Over the last few weeks, Scindia has targeted the Kamal Nath government over issues such as farm loan waiver and alleged laxity in acting against those booked for adulteration. Scindia had supported the move to abrogate special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370, giving rise to speculation over his next political move. He recently toured the Gwalior-Chambal region and visited homes of people from rival camps. He, however, did not campaign for the crucial Jhabua bypoll.

Varma’s demand to appoint Bhuria as PCC chief comes when the CM is in Delhi amid speculation that he may meet the top leadership. Nath has repeatedly said that someone should be named as PCC chief to relieve him of the burden. A Scindia confidant on Monday said that Varma had Scindia in mind when he made the demand.

Another dimension to the power struggle is the demand by Bhuria’s supporters that he be made deputy CM. If he is included in the Cabinet, Bhuria could become another power centre.