Chhindwara: Comparisons are inevitable but also unfair, says chief minister Kamal Nath’s son Nakul Nath who makes his political debut as the Congress’ Lok Sabha candidate from a seat that has long been identified with his father. The MBA graduate from Boston and Doon School alumnus said he wants to take forward the Chhindwara model of development established by his father, a nine-time MP from the constituency, and asked for some time to prove himself.
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The 44-year-old son of the Congress stalwart said it will be unfair to make comparisons between him and his father who has been in electoral politics for 40 years. “I have less experience. This is the fifth election that I am campaigning in. Give me sometime and I will prove myself,” Nakul Nath said.
Asked what more can he do given that Chhindwara is one of the most developed constituencies in the country, Nakul Nath said he will take his father’s work forward. “I have always said investment cannot be demanded but has to be attracted. My father has created a perfect environment in Chhindwara by way of roads, electricity and infrastructure for new investment and new industries,” he said.
Against migration
In his view, unemployment is the biggest problem in this area. “My aim is to bring industries so youth and talented manpower does not leave the region. I want people of the area get jobs here itself,” he said. Nakul Nath is pitted against BJP’s tribal leader and former MLA Nathan Shah Kavreti. Addressing rallies in Chhindwara, Nakul Nath reiterates he is not a ‘neta’ (politician) but a ‘beta’ (son) who is seeking people’s support and blessings in the form of votes. “I will fulfil all the promises made like my father did for you,” he tells voters in poll rallies.
His priorities
Nath scion also discusses the coal mines being closed in the region over the last few years, leading to the loss of jobs and employment opportunities for the locals. “You need to realise the truth…my priorities for you are new investment, education, jobs, health for the old and irrigation facilities for the farmers,” he said. “I have family ties with the people of the area and I know them personally,” Nakul Nath said, when asked how he sees the transition from being the son of a record nine-time MP to being a candidate himself now.
On being dynast
He brushed off charges of dynasty politics thrown at him. Stressing that it is just not him who has been a prodigy of a political family, he said hard work is compulsory and instances of sons following in their fathers’ footsteps are seen across the board in different parties and states. Will he follow his father and join the union cabinet if the Congress forms government? “I still have a long way to go and this is my first time,” he said, brushing off the query.
