Bhopal, October 16: As the stage is set for the Madhya Pradesh Assembly Election 2023, the political landscape of the state is abuzz with anticipation and intrigue. The election, scheduled for November 17, 2023, holds significant importance, not just for the state but also as a prelude to the Lok Sabha Elections in 2024. The Congress and the BJP, the two major political players in the state, are poised for a fierce electoral battle.

In 2018, the Congress, led by Kamal Nath, managed to end the BJP's 15-year reign and seize power, albeit briefly. However, the Congress government faced turbulence and eventually collapsed, leading to Shivraj Singh Chouhan's return as Chief Minister in March 2020. As we inch closer to the electoral showdown, let's take a closer look at the key candidates fielded by the Congress and their respective constituencies.

Key Congress Candidates and Their Constituencies

Kamal Nath - Chhindwara Constituency 

Former Chief Minister and Madhya Pradesh Congress President Kamal Nath will be contesting from his home turf, Chhindwara. Kamal Nath, who has served as the 18th Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, has had a formidable political career and is widely recognised for his leadership. In 2018, he led the Congress to victory, breaking the BJP's dominance in the state. Chhindwara is a constituency he has won in the past, and his influence remains significant. Madhya Pradesh Assembly Elections 2023: My Entry Will Be 'Mangal' for Everyone in Budhni, Says Actor Vikram Mastal on Contesting Against CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Dr Govind Singh - Lahar Constituency 

Dr Govind Singh, the leader of Congress in the assembly, is a stalwart in Madhya Pradesh politics. He has been representing the Lahar assembly seat in Bhind district in the Chambal division since 1990. A loyalist of former Chief Minister and Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh, Dr Govind Singh is undefeated in this constituency and has a substantial political footprint in the state. Mizoram Assembly Election 2023: Congress Releases List of 39 Candidates for Upcoming Vidhan Sabha Polls.

Jaivardhan Singh - Raghogarh Constituency 

Representing the political legacy of the Singh family, Jaivardhan Singh has entrenched himself in the Raghogarh assembly segment in the Guna district. Emulating his father, former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh, Jaivardhan Singh has upheld the family's political stronghold, securing consecutive wins in the 2013 and 2018 elections.

Vikram Mastal - Budhni Constituency 

In an interesting move, the Congress has fielded actor Vikram Mastal from the Budhni constituency, fielding him against incumbent Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Mastal is being dubbed as the "Hanuman" of Congress for the upcoming elections. Vikram Mastal gained recognition for his role as Lord Hanuman in the popular television serial "Ramayan 2." His entry into politics is a significant development and adds a unique element to this electoral battle.

Ajay Singh (Rahul Bhaiya) - Churhat Constituency 

Ajay Singh, popularly known as "Rahul Bhaiya," represents the Churhat constituency in Sidhi district. Churhat has remained a stronghold for Ajay Singh and the Congress, with his family's long-standing association with the seat. Although the BJP won in 2018, Ajay Singh's influence remains robust in this region. He has held various important positions in the state's political landscape.

Avdhes Nayak - Datia Constituency 

Avdhes Nayak, with an RSS background, has been fielded by the Congress to take on the state home minister, Narottam Mishra, in the Datia Assembly constituency.

Ramkishor Dange - Dhar Constituency 

The Congress has chosen senior party leader Ramkishor Dange to contest against state agriculture minister Kamal Patel in the Dhar assembly constituency. Dange's selection reflects the party's strategy to field strong candidates against key incumbents.

Jitu Patwari - Rau Constituency 

Jitu Patwari, who is considered close to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, is the Congress candidate for the Rau assembly seat in Indore district. Patwari has a history of political involvement and was a minister in the short-lived Kamal Nath government.

Vikrant Bhuria - Jhabua Constituency 

Vikrant Bhuria, the son of former Union Minister Kantilal Bhuria, is contesting from the Jhabua assembly constituency. Jhabua is part of the reserved Scheduled Tribes (ST) seats, and this contest is expected to be closely watched.

In this dynamic electoral landscape, these key candidates represent the Congress's strategy to regain political ground in Madhya Pradesh. As the campaign unfolds, the state is bracing for an electoral showdown that will shape the future of Madhya Pradesh's political landscape.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 16, 2023 08:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).