Chhindwara parliamentary constituency in Madhya Pradesh has long been a Congress stronghold. The constituency's allegiance to the Congress party has endured many elections, except for a notable upset in the 1997 by-election. The constituency has traditionally stayed with Kamal Nath and family.
Chhindwara KYC
Historical Context
Even in the aftermath of the 1977 Emergency, when the Congress suffered nationwide defeat, it managed to win in Chhindwara. However, in 1996, that fortress was also dented significantly when allegations surfaced against Kamal Nath in the Hawala scandal. Despite the controversy, the Congress fielded Alka Nath, Kamal Nath's wife, in the by-election, and she emerged victorious, though amid simmering public discontent.
Chhindwara MP
Electorate Dynamics
Chhindwara's demographic landscape, with a rural-urban divide of 76% to 24%, comprises significant Scheduled Caste (11.1%) and Scheduled Tribe (36.8%) populations. The Hindu majority electorate (90%) further shapes the contours of this region.
Chhindwara Turnout
The Upset of 1997
The tide turned momentarily in 1997 when BJP veteran Sunderlal Patwa won by a significant margin of 38,000 votes. Patwa capitalized on the resentment over Alka Nath's sudden resignation, painting it as an insult to women and galvanizing support around it. This marked the only instance when Congress lost the Chhindwara seat since the by-election of 1997.
Congress Resurgence and Continuity
Despite the setback in 1997, Congress swiftly reclaimed the Chhindwara seat in subsequent elections, with Kamal Nath, Alka Nath, and later Nakul Nath, securing victories and perpetuating the party's dominance. The constituency comprises seven assembly segments, all predominantly Congress-dominated.
Chhindwara Trivia
Outlook for 2024
With Nakul Nath set to contest once again, inheriting the political legacy of his father and mother, the Congress faces a tough battle in Chhindwara.
Featured Video Of The Day
PM Modi Pays Tribute To Mahatma Gandhi In Guyana
BJP vs Congress On US Government Department Move Against Adani Group Manipur Congress Asks Party Chief To Take Action Against P Chidambaram Over "Regional Autonomy" Post "Will Retire From Politics If...": Siddaramaiah On PM Modi's Remarks Amazon Employee Greets Friend At Wedding, Dies Of Cardiac Arrest "Speculative, Inaccurate": Canada Factchecks Own Media, Backtracks After India's Stinker Indian Student In US Accidentally Shoots Himself Dead While Celebrating Birthday Nutritionist Reveals How High-AGEs Diets Are Fuelling Diabetes "This Is Worth...": Ex-Zomato Employee On Deepinder Goyal's Job Offer World AIDS Day 2024: Theme, Significance, History & Prevention Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.