Madhya Pradesh minister Arif Aqueel of the Congress has warned the BJP against any attempt to bring down the Kamal Nath government, saying nobody would dare to do so.

The warning

Aqueel, who represents Bhopal-North in the Assembly, said in Hindi that no one capable of removing the Kamal Nath government had yet been born, and that if the BJP tried, the Congress would split the BJP into three parts. The minister, who is in charge of Minority Affairs, MSME, and Bhopal Gas Relief and Rehabilitation, advised the BJP to keep its own house in order.

The context

His remarks came days after political crises erupted in Karnataka and Goa, where the BJP is alleged to have encouraged rebellion in Congress ranks. In Karnataka 13 Congress MLAs have resigned, while in Goa 10 Congress legislators have joined the BJP. The Madhya Pradesh Assembly was due to vote on the Budget the following day, and the government feared the BJP might try to split the vote.

Congress and BJP leaders in the state trade barbs frequently, with BJP leaders often predicting the government’s fall. Last month Kamal Nath challenged the BJP to stop making tall claims and, if it had the courage, try to topple his government.

The government’s stability has been in question since it took office last year, as it relies on a slim majority with help from allies. In the 230-member Assembly, the Congress has 114 MLAs and the support of two BSP MLAs, one SP MLA and four independents. The BJP has 109.

See also: Congress | State assembly members

Originally published on 17 July 2019. Rewritten on 9 October 2026.

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