THE SATRAPS WHO HOLD THE KEY

KAMAL NATH

Strength Has the image of someone who gets things done. Nath also has the financial muscle to run a high-profile campaign. Has party allies across the state, but concentrated mainly in the Mahakoshal region where his LS constituency Chhindwara lies Weakness Avoids Bhopal, and now with most time spent in the national capital, carries the tag of being a ‘Delhi’ leader

JYOTIRADITYA SCINDIA

Strength Youthful face, and a capacity to pull in the crowds during campaigns. Could swing the votes among the youth and undecided voters Weakness Major support restricted to the Gwalior-Chambal region. Will need to turn into a ‘people’s prince’ to discard his image of being a privileged royal

DIGVIJAYA SINGH

Strength May have been CM 14 years ago, but still commands the loyalty of the biggest section of MLAs. Also has influence in every region of MP Weakness Rivals poohpooh his non-serious nature. BJP rakes up bijli-sadak-paani issues from his reign the moment he gets active in MP

AJAY SINGH

Strength The late Arjun Singh’s son has lasting connections with a large number of party MLAs and leaders. Did well as rural development minister in the last party government. Was in charge of the Vindhya region in 2013, Congress fared well Weakness His pro-Thakur image