The BJP promised former Congressman Jyotiraditya Scindia a prominent role within its ranks it inducted him on Thursday, telling him it was a democratic unit where everyone had a say. An urbane Gwalior royal, Jyotiraditya Scindia, 49, announced yesterday he was leaving the Congress as he felt unable to serve Madhya Pradesh or the country any longer while still a party member.

A flurry of meetings were held in both Congress and BJP camps on Monday evening as more than 17 Congress legislators loyal to Jyotiraditya Scindia flew out to Bengaluru, throwing the Congress government in Madhya Pradesh in deep crisis. Chief Minister Kamal Nath indicated that he is fighting back with plans for a cabinet rejig six ministers were among the Scindia loyalists who decamped.

Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath said the resignation of an MLA and the disappearance of three others will not threaten the longevity of his government. My ministers are not for sale. They believe in the politics of principles and service. Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said on Friday that his party's government was completely safe despite the BJP's efforts to lure away MLAs.