Nakul Nath to lead Diwali Milan at Kamal Nath's Bhopal residence on November 14

Activity by the next generation of senior leaders appears to be growing in the Madhya Pradesh Congress. Former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh is leading the Satya Sanatan Swabhiman Yatra from Ujjain to Ayodhya, and his son and former minister Jaivardhan Singh is seen accompanying him. Meanwhile, Kamal Nath's son Nakul Nath is also preparing to step up his activity in state politics.

A gathering led by Nakul Nath is to be held in Bhopal on November 14, and it is being seen as significant in that light. A Diwali Milan has been organised at former Chief Minister Kamal Nath's residence in Shyamla Hills, Bhopal, on Children's Day, which is also the birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Congress MLAs, leaders and supporters from across the state have been invited personally. Kamal Nath's birthday, which falls on November 18, will also be celebrated at the event.

The most notable aspect is that, for the first time, a gathering of this scale will be held at Kamal Nath's residence in his absence, with Nakul Nath at the helm. Kamal Nath has issued a message conveying good wishes for the event. He has said he cannot attend because of prior engagements.

Meanwhile, Chhindwara Zila Panchayat vice-president Amit Saxena has left the BJP and returned to the Congress in the presence of Nakul Nath.

In his message, Kamal Nath said he was happy that everyone was joining Nakul to hold the Milan on November 14 in Bhopal. He said his birthday falls four days after Pandit Nehru's birth anniversary, so the occasion is also being observed to mark his birthday. Kamal Nath also said he gives priority to social and public work over personal matters, but will not be able to attend because of engagements fixed earlier.

He said he would soon plan a programme to meet the Congress family of Madhya Pradesh. He also said he would always stand with the people of the state and keep up his pledge to serve them for life.

Nakul Nath bringing together Congress leaders and supporters from across the state on one platform in Kamal Nath's absence is seen as important for his political future. It is also being viewed as an attempt to increase the role of the next generation in the state Congress. However, how active a role Nakul Nath plays in state politics after this event remains to be seen.