Rajasthan, MP, Chhattisgarh chief minister candidates LIVE Updates: Kamal Nath declared Madhya Pradesh CM; decision on Rajasthan Friday morning

Thank you Madhya Pradesh, says Kamal Nath

Kamal Nath addressed party workers and the media, saying he is grateful to the voters of the state for showing confidence in his party.

“I am thankful to every voter in Madhya Pradesh. I am confident that the future of Madhya Pradesh will be a bright one. Madhya Pradesh has confidence in us, we will fulfill our promises. I will meet the Governor at 10.30 am tomorrow,” said Nath.

Kamal Nath and ex-CM Digvijaya Singh were behind Congress’ soft Hindutva approach in MP

It was Kamal Nath and former chief minister Digvijaya Singh who gambled with the strategy of going all out to woo Hindu voters. Singh, it is understood, supported the Congress’ election campaign and smoothed over differences among leaders while Nath decided that the party would go all-out on temples visits and draw a manifesto replete with symbols — such as cow shelters and market cow urine-based products — that would resonate with Hindu voters. The move, along with pushing hard on the BJP that faced anti-incumbency in the Malwa (North) region after the Mandsaur protests, helped the party narrow the vote-share gap.

At 72, Kamal Nath will hold Office of Chief Minister for first time

Seventy-two-year-old Kamal Nath will take the office of chief minister for the first time in his career. Nath is a nine-time MP from Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara constituency.

A former urban development minister, Nath is credited with leading the party’s election campaign in Madhya Pradesh. He arranged funds for the campaign as the Congress took on the ruling BJP, which was eyeing a fourth successive term under Shivraj Singh Chauhan.

Nath is also credited with formulating the booth-level strategy for the Congress that he fine-tuned over the last three years.

MP CM post a reward for Kamal Nath

For Kamal Nath, appointment as Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister is a reward for his sharp political maneuvering skills which are credited with the Congress victory in a state where BJP was ruling for three consecutive terms

Madhya Pradesh CM designate Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia at the party office in Bhopal. pic.twitter.com/uw4xhdCbGO

— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2018

Congress confirms appointment on Twitter:

Our best wishes to Shri @OfficeOfKNath for being elected CM of Madhya Pradesh. An era of change is upon MP with him at the helm. pic.twitter.com/iHJe43AB9v

— Congress (@INCIndia) December 13, 2018

Kamal Nath new MP CM

Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) chief Kamal Nath has been announced as the chief minister of the newly-elected Congress government in the state, ANI reported.  The MPCC announced that there will be no deputy chief minister.

Kamal Nath arrives at Congress party office in Bhopal

The Senior Congress leader arrived at the party’s Bhopal office for a meeting of MLAs. Speaking to ANI earlier, Nath said the name of the Madhya Pradesh chief minister would be announced after the meet.

Madhya Pradesh: Kamal Nath arrives at Congress party office in Bhopal. pic.twitter.com/12Ntr6OpgZ

— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2018

Rahul Gandhi defers decision naming CMs, says report

Congress president Rahul Gandhi has deferred the decision on naming the chief ministers of Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh for Friday as he wants to hold further discussions with party leaders, party sources told  PTI.

SAD attacks Congress 

“The Congress promotes and rewards the perpetrators of genocide against the Sikhs by proposing the name of Kamal Nath as chief minister,” Akali Dal leader Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal said in a statement in Chandigarh.

Rahul meets party leaders over Chhattisgarh CM

After holding consultations on Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday met party leaders from Chhattisgarh to decide on the chief minister in the state. The Congress central observer for Chhattisgarh, Mallikarjuna Kharge, and state in-charge PL Punia met Rahul at his residence soon after he finished discussing Madhya Pradesh.

Bhupesh Baghel, Charan Das Mahant also heading to New Delhi

Amid the race for the Chhattisgarh chief minister’s post, Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Bhupesh Baghel and Charan Das Mahant are also going to Delhi tomorrow.    

Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Bhupesh Baghel and Charan Das Mahant are also going to Delhi tomorrow. #Chhattisgarh https://t.co/wsvD2YDSuM

— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2018

Nath, Scindia arrive in Bhopal

Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia have arrived in Bhopal for a meeting of party MLAs, ANI reported.

Madhya Pradesh: Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia arrive in Bhopal. pic.twitter.com/IFU6YY5BzC

— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2018

Decision on Rajasthan CM likely late tonight: Sources

The decision on naming the Rajasthan chief minister is likely to be announced late Thursday night, News18 quoted sources as saying.  

Confusing signals emanating from Chhattisgarh 

Confusing signals are emerging from Chhattisgarh for the post of chief minister. The Congress has not come up with a clear choice yet, even after the referendum party chief Rahul Gandhi had sought on Wednesday through an app called ‘Shakti’. A unique experiment of sorts, more than three lakh party workers, including elected Congress candidates, received a pre-recorded call from Rahul seeking their choice for a chief ministerial candidate for Chhattisgarh. 

Read the entire Firstpost piece here

TS Singh Deo summoned to New Delhi

Chhattisgarh CM candidate TS Singh Deo has been summoned to New Delhi, News18 reported.

Rahul, Sonia unable to placate Sachin Pilot: Sources

Rahul and Sonia Gandhi have not been able to placate Sachin Pilot, News18 quoted sources as saying. Pilot reportedly told the Congress high command that not making him Rajasthan chief minister would ‘send the wrong message’.  

Madhya Pradesh Congress tweets:

हम साथ साथ हैं। pic.twitter.com/b0kusnVXEz

— MP Congress (@INCMP) December 13, 2018

‘Not a race, here to serve people of MP’

Jyotiraditya Scindia posted this message on Twitter: “It is not a race, it is not about kursi, we are here to serve the people of Madhya Pradesh. I am leaving for Bhopal and you will get to know the decision today."

Kamal Nath to be MP CM, report news channels

Kamal Nath is set to be the next chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, NDTV, ABP and India Today quoted sources as saying. Nath will reportedly be sworn in on 15 December, sources said. Firstpost has not been able to independently verify these reports.

#KamalNath to take oath as Madhya Pradesh CM on December 15: sources
LIVE: https://t.co/DklVA2kRqn
LIVE UPDATES: https://t.co/VnZEebskMg pic.twitter.com/kUqZKMXrUn

— ABP News (@ABPNews) December 13, 2018

,

#JustIn | Kamal Nath will be Madhya Pradesh chief minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia to have "high-profile role" for 2019: Sources

— NDTV (@ndtv) December 13, 2018

‘Will announce CM name after MLAs meet’

Speaking to ANI after leaving Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s residence, Kamal Nath said he was leaving for Bhopal where an MLAs meeting would be held. “We will announce the CM name after that,” the senior grand old party leader said.

Amid high drama, Rahul takes to Twitter

Amid high drama, Congress president Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter to quote Leo Tolstoy and posted a picture of himself, Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia

The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.

- Leo Tolstoy pic.twitter.com/MiRq2IlrIg

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 13, 2018

Congress tells Gehlot to stay put

Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot has been told to stay put in Delhi by Congress high command, according to several media reports. Gehlot has returned to his Delhi residence from the airport.

‘Appeal for calm’

Ashok Gehlot, speaking to ANI appealed to Congress workers to keep calm. “They have worked very hard, whatever decisions will be taken will be binding on all.  Rahul  ji is talking to and consulting all leaders,” the former Rajasthan chief minister said. 

‘Decision soon, nothing to worry about’

Rajasthan Congress leader Ashok Gehlot told ANI the decision on naming the chief minister of Rajasthan would be taken soon and there is nothing to worry about. “Te decision has to be taken on CMs of three states so naturally, it takes time. The party president will take a call,” the Rajasthan chief ministerial candidate said.

The longer this takes, the more difficult it will get, tweets Omar Abdullah

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah urged the Congress leadership to announce the next chief ministers for Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh as soon as possible. Abdullah tweeted that delay in the announcement will only make things more difficult for the party.

It will get more & more difficult the longer this takes.

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) December 13, 2018

‘Have full confidence in party leadership,’ tweets Sachin Pilot, asks supporters to remain calm

After reports of Sachin Pilot’s supporters blocking road in Karauli, the Rajasthan CM probable tweeted urging his supporters to maintain peace. In his tweet, Pilot also said that he has full confidence in the party leadership, and that he will take whatever decision is taken by Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi.

सभी कार्यकर्ताओं से शांति एवं अनुशासन बनाए रखने का आग्रह करता हूँ। मुझे पार्टी के शीर्ष नेतृत्व पर पूरा विश्वास है, माननीय राहुल गाँधी जी एवं श्रीमती सोनिया गाँधी जी जो फ़ैसला लेंगे उसका हम स्वागत करेंगे।हम सभी कांग्रेस के समर्पित,पार्टी की गरिमा बनाये रखना हम सभी की ज़िम्मेदारी

— Sachin Pilot (@SachinPilot) December 13, 2018

Sachin Pilot’s supporters block road

Rajasthan CM probable Sachin Pilot’s supporters have blocked a road in Karauli, ANI reported.

Rajasthan: Supporters of Sachin Pilot block road in Karauli. pic.twitter.com/AlcUQntL0C

— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2018

Poster congratulates Kamal Nath for being chosen as CM

A poster congratulating Kamal Nath for being named CM has been put up outside the Congress’ Bhopal office, ANI reported.

A poster congratulating Kamal Nath for being named CM is seen outside Congress office in Bhopal #MadhyaPradeshElections2018 pic.twitter.com/rsSketjeFp

— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2018

Congress workers clash outside Chhattisgarh CM probable’s home

Congress workers clashed outside the home of Chhattisgarh chief minister contender Bhupesh Baghel, News18 reported.

Jyotiraditya Scindia’s supporters gather

Jyotiraditya Scindia’s supporters have congregated outside the Congress party office in Bhopal, ANI reported.

Madhya Pradesh: Supporters of Jyotiraditya Scindia gather outside Congress party office in Bhopal. pic.twitter.com/KYHS5V1seg

— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2018

In Rajasthan, security tightened ahead of announcement of next CM’s name

Security was tightened here Thursday ahead of the announcement of the name of the next Rajasthan chief minister as the supporters of both Pradesh Congress Committee president Sachin Pilot and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot had started gathering near their residences since morning. A large number of supporters are present at the civil lines residence of Gehlot, while Pilot’s supporters are also present near his house in Jalupura. 

“Security arrangements have been tightened looking at the large number of supports at both the places. Additional policemen have been deployed to keep things under control,” Additional Commission of Jaipur Police Nitindeep Bluggan told PTI.

Sonia Gandhi reaches Rahul’s residence; suspense over CM faces continues 

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi has arrived at Rahul Gandhi’s residence as Madhya Pradesh CM post front-runner Jyotiraditya Scindia was already present at his residence. Earlier in the day, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was also seen at Rahul’s residence.  

Delhi: Sonia Gandhi arrives at the residence of Congress President Rahul Gandhi. pic.twitter.com/HZ5X9jEvhi

— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2018

Jyotiraditya Scindia reaches Rahul Gandhi’s residence; delay in CM face announcement keeps the suspense going

Congress leader and Guna MP Jyotiraditya Scindia has arrived at the residence of Congress president Rahul Gandhi. Meanwhile, the suspense over Madhya Pradesh chief minister continues. Earlier, media reports unanimously quoted sources to say Kamal Nath is going to become the chief minister and the announcement was likely at 4 pm. However, the time was revised thrice later: the presser was shifted to 4.30, then 5.30, and now finally reports say that the announcement will come after 6 and will be made in Bhopal.

Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh observers to meet Rahul Gandhi at 5 pm

The decision on Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan chief ministers have been made, and the official confirmation will come out in due time. Meanwhile, Congress president Rahul Gandhi has decided to take the next complex problem head on. As the Congress’ Chhattisgarh observers Mallikarjun Kharge and PL Punia will meet Congress president Rahul Gandhi at 5 pm today, India Today reported. He will subsequently meet the front-runners for CM post from Chhattisgarh. 

The news channel also said that Tamradhwaj Sahu, an OBC leader from the state is said to be the front-runner so far.

It’s advantage Kamal Nath in MP CM race; Akali Dal threatens massive Sikh protests

As Kamal Nath emerged front-runner for the post of Madhya Pradesh chief minister, a Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader today accused the Congress leadership of “protecting the perpetrators” of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

The Akali Dal alleges that Nath had a hand in the anti-Sikh riots that broke out in the national capital following the assassination of Indira Gandhi in 1984.

“Whenever the Gandhi family comes to power, it protects the perpetrators of the 1984 riots. Now Rahul Gandhi and the Gandhi family are rewarding Kamal Nath as chief minister of Madhya Pradesh…,” Akali Dal leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa said, according to PTI.

Ashok Gehlot is the front-runner in Rajasthan CM race

Two-time chief minister Ashok Gehlot appears to be emerging as the favourite for the chief minister’s post in Rajasthan, after party chief Rahul Gandhi held hectic deliberations with senior leaders including him. It is advantage Gehlot, sources said, after he came out of Gandhi’s residence.

Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot is also a strong contender for the post. However, Gehlot looks set to return as chief minister of the western state for the third time. Gandhi also held a separate meeting with Pilot, prior to meeting Gehlot.

Ashok Gehlot headed to Jaipur, Sachin Pilot remains in Delhi, say reports

Times Now reported that after meeting Rahul Gandhi, Ashok Gehlot is headed to Jaipur along with Rajasthan observer KC Venugopal, whereas Sachin Pilot was still in Delhi. Several reports have pegged their guess on Gehlot becoming the dhief minister. Amid this, the news if true, could further indicate that indeed Gehlot has won the race to chief ministerial post.

Rahul Gandhi to announce Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh CMs at 4 pm

The long wait to know the chief ministers of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh is about to be over. The Congress party has called a press conference t around 4 pm which will also be attended by Rahul Gandhi. It is expected that Rahul will reveal the names of the chief ministers of two states.

Even as reports say Kamal Nath’s selection as MP CM near final, Scindia supporters conduct puja for him 

Bhopal: A group of Congress members perform 'havan' for the appointment of Jyotiraditya Scindia as the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister. pic.twitter.com/EFH6vyPVpi

— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2018

Kamal Nath to be next MP CM, say reports; official announcement after 5 pm

CNN-news18  reported quoting sources that Kamal Nath is all set to be the Madhya Pradesh chief minister and the official annoncement about the same would be made after 5 pm today. Meanwhile, Kamal Nath is returning to Bhopal ahead of the MLAs meet. The announcement is expected to come after the meeting. 

Meanwhile, Telangana Rashtriya Samiti chief has taken oath as Telangana chief minister

TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao, who led his party to a resounding victory in the Assembly elections, was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Telangana for a second straight term Thursday. Earlier in the day, Rao was unanimously elected leader of the TRS Legislature Party by the newly-elected MLAs. The MLAs met at the Telangana Bhavan, the TRS headquarters here, and took the decision unanimously, party sources said.

In the December 7 elections, the TRS won 88 seats in the 119-member assembly, trouncing the Congress-led People’s Front, which ended up with a tally of 21.

Meanwhile, BJP Sees ’no pattern’ in election losses, brushes aside speculation of trouble in 2019

After a review meeting to analyse the electoral losses in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, the BJP has reportedly come to the conclusion that there was no pattern emerging from the defeats, effectively brushing aside speculation that it would face a tough re-election in 2019 Lok Sabha elections. 

Nonetheless, things look grim for the party. Before the disappointment of the latest round of assembly polls, the Narendra Modi juggernaut was rolling ahead since the spectacular victory of 2014, when the BJP won close to 80 per cent of Lok Sabha seats in eight states including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.

Now, its assembly election loss in these three Hindi heartland states has added to the BJP’s woes, as the party faces challenges from a resurgent Congress and alignment of opposition forces in states like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Bihar for the 2019 election.

After Sachin Pilot, Ashok Gehlot reaches Rahul Gandhi’s residence 

Congress leader Ashok Gehlot reaches Congress President Rahul Gandhi's residence in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/vERb4mIBRY

— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2018

Madhya Pradesh Congress stands by Kamal Nath, says raking up 1984 issue BJP propaganda 

Leaders in the Congress support Kamal Nath, inspite of the allegations around 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Shobha Oza, party spokesperson said, “From day 1 all our leaders made it clear that the fight isn’t about who will become the Chief Minister, our fight was to uproot the corrupt government of BJP. And it was a difficult battle which Kamal Nath ji has won.”

Another Congress leader Narendrea Saluja said, “There is no proof against Kamal Nath. BJP is trying to run these campaigns because they lost in the elections, they have done this kind of dirty politics before.”

Rajasthan observer KC Venugopal says CM announcement likely by evening

Congress leader Avinash Pandey and Rajasthan observer KC Venugopal met Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday. Speaking to the press later, they said that Rahul has been made aware of their discussions in Rajasthan, and he will take the final decision after speaking to Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot. A decision is likely by today evening.

Kamal Nath top contender for MP CM post but 1984 Sikh riots haunt Congress

Even as reports claim that in Madhya Pradesh, it will be Kamal Nath, and not Jyotiraditya Scindia, who will be sworn in as the chief minister, the shadows of 1984 anti-Sikh riots dog Congress veteran. Although he faces no criminal cases, Kamal Nath has been named by several eye-witness as a key accused in the case. Some Sikh riot victims had claimed that Nath had led a rioting mob near the Rakab Ganj Gurudwara in new Delhi. 

The BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal leaders have been especially pointing to these allegations, stating that the Congress party should not hurt Sikh sentiments and pick another leader to be the chief minister. Other Twitter users also joined in, urging the Congress not to pick Nath as the chief minister

Rajasthan: What’s tipping the scales in favour of Ashok Gehlot, despite Pilot getting credit for resurrecting Congress?

Sachin Pilot was made Rajasthan Congress chief at a time when the party was at its lowest point. The young leader took the command of the party and managed to bring it to the front row through extensive campaigning, people to people connect, and playing a strong Opposition in the Assembly. However, it is the two-time chief minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot who currently seems to be leading in the race to CM. 

This is partly because the six rebel Congress MLAs who have won as Independents are ready to prop up the Congress government under Gehlot. According to The Indian Express, a delegation of six Independent MLAs who are Congress rebels, met Gehlot at his residence in the morning. The Congress was falling one short of the majority mark earlier, but can now form the government without help of the Independent MLAs after BSP chief Mayawat

Pilot supporter pens letter in blood, Gehlot faction performs puja in Jodhpur; emotions run high in state

Emotions are running high in Rajasthan as Congress workers are divided in factions over the chief minister’s pick. According to India Today, a supporter of Rajesh Pilot, the Congress Pradesh Committee Chief, has penned a letter to Rahul Gandhi. The letter was apparently written in blood. 

Meanwhile, News18 reported that several supporters of Ashok Gehlot, also a front-runner for Rajasthan chief minister, are conducting a puja in Jodhpur to pray for the two-time chief minister.

Consulting all, you will see who’s chief minister soon, says Rahul Gandhi

Congress President Rahul Gandhi, who was in Parliament in New Delhi said, “We are taking inputs from different people in the party. We are taking inputs from MLAs, from workers. You will see a Chief Minister soon.”

Madhya Pradesh: It is Scindia vs Kamal Nath as Congress struggles to choose between two strong contenders

Rajasthan: KC Venugopal, observer for the state, reaches Rahul Gandhi’s residence

KC Venugopal, All India Congress Committee observer for Rajasthan, arrives at Congress President Rahul Gandhi's residence in Delhi pic.twitter.com/c6NDSTkMhb

— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2018

After Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh front-runners too descend in Delhi; final decision likely by evening 

Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia arrived early morning in the national capital and will be meeting Rahul Gandhi soon. The Congress president will first meet the party observers for Madhya Pradesh, AK Antony.  

Antony had already held discussions with newly-elected party MLAs in Bhopal Wednesday and would give their inputs to Rahul on who the legislators want to be as their chief ministers.

Recap: Rahul took feedback from Congress workers through ShaktiApp

Reportedly, Rahul Gandhi took a one-on-one feedback from party workers in both Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh to decide on the name of the next chief ministers of the states after due deliberations. Using an internal messaging platform for the party workers, Rahul sent out to them a pre-recorded audio message seeking their feedback for selection of the chief minister in their respective states, reports said . The views of the workers were directly submitted to Rahul through the application.

Rahul to meet Gehlot, Pilot at 11 am in Delhi; MP Congress to meet in Bhopal at 4 pm

While Congress chief Rahul Gandhi is going to meet Rajasthan Congress leader Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot to decide on the chief minister’s name, the Madhya Pradesh Congress MLAs will have another round of meeting at 4 pm in Bhopal today as the final call on the chief minister’s name would be taken by Rahul  on Thursday.

Everyone’s opinion taken in a peaceful way, Rahul’s decision today, says Ashok Gehlot

The veteran Congress leader landed in Delhi on Thursday morning to meet Congress president Rahul Gandhi as the final decision on the next chief minister of Rajasthan would be taken today.

Ashok Gehlot: Observers have taken everyone's opinion, in a peaceful way. Congress President Rahul Gandhi had to take a decision (on Rajasthan CM candidate), observers have arrived in Delhi. A discussion will be held and the decision will be taken today pic.twitter.com/POIhp9jwgp

— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2018

Madhya Pradesh:  Kamal Nath likely to be CM, Jyotiraditya Scindia may be offered deputy post

According to reports, Congress president Rahul Gandhi started off with resolving the easier of the two choices.  NDTV has reported that the Rahul has all but made up his mind in favour of Kamal Nath as Madhya Pradesh chief minister as Rajasthan mess continues to be difficult to untangle. CNN-News18 reported that neither Pilot nor Gehlot is ready to back off easily as both have claimed that they have support of majority of MLAs.

Deliberations over, Rahul Gandhi to take final call today, says Ashok Gehlot 

Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Ashok Gehlot said, “Observers have taken everyone’s opinion, in a peaceful way. Congress President Rahul Gandhi had to take a decision and the observers have arrived in Delhi. A discussion will be held and the decision will be taken today.”

Rajasthan:  Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot land in New Delhi

Front-runners for Rajasthan chief minister’s post, Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot have reached the national capital. The duo are expected to meet Rahul Gandhi at around 10 am today.

Chhattisgarh: How Bhupen Baghel scripted Congress win in state

From focusing on ‘padyatras’ for building a mass connect to reviving the morale of party workers, the credit for reversing the fortunes of Congress in Chhattisgarh goes to Bhupesh Baghel, a streetfighter who took the BJP regime head on in the run-up to the election. The former minister in Digvijaya’s Singh cabinet in Madhya Pradesh had a steep task ahead of him as he had to rebuild from scratch after a fatal Maoist attack in Darba of Bastar district wiped out the entire state leadership in 2013. 

The data released by the Election Commission of India shows that the Jogi factor indeed took away almost 9% of the Congress’s vote in the three divisions of Durg, Raipur and Bilaspur, bringing down Congress’s vote percentage from 40.3% to 31%. But the Congress made up for this, by walking away with almost 8-10% of the BJP’s Sahu-Kurmi and OBC votes. 

The party also replicated the BJP’s strategy of booth management – something which had been key in their success. In doing so, the party leaders said, they were able to find some chinks in the BJP’s armour. 

Read the full article here

Ashok Gehlot, Kamal Nath lead race but internal Congress memo bats for Sachin Pilot

So far, reports indicate that scales are tipped in favour of experience rather than youth. All signs point to Nath and Gehlot leading the race in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. However, internal sources told CNN-News18 that there’s an undercurrent of support for the idea that the respective Pradesh Congress Committee chiefs should be chosen as the chief ministers of the states. The argument makes Kamal Nath, Sachin Pilot and Bhupesh Baghel the chief minster probables in MP, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh respectively. A proposal has circulated internally within the Congress circles to this effect. It remains to be seen whether Congress chief takes this argument into account. 

#NewsAlert – Strong argument to make PCC chiefs the Chief Ministers of the states. The argument makes Kamal Nath, @SachinPilot and Baghel the Chief Minster probables. A proposal has circulated internally within the @INCIndia circles. | @_pallavighosh & @Zebaism with more details pic.twitter.com/FqHmkbbtzC

— News18 (@CNNnews18) December 13, 2018

Rajasthan: Sachin Pilot too flies down to Delhi; CM-Dy CM formula to be the likely solution

In a last minute development, Sachin Pilot, also a front-runner in race for Rajasthan chief minister, has also been summoned to Delhi. Confusion prevailed until last night as to what the Congress party’s strategy would be. Pilot and Gehlot were headed to Delhi last night but the plan was scrapped last night. But then reports surfaced early morning that the duo are headed to Delhi once again. 

India Today reported that Rahul may back Gehlot as the chief minister, while hoping to pacify Pilot supporters by making him the deputy chief minister.

Madhya Pradesh: Kamal Nath’s name ‘almost certain’ as state CM; Scindia likely to remain in national politics

Veteran Congress leader Kamal Nath looks set to take over as chief minister of Madhya Pradesh Congress defeated BJP in the final tally announced on Wednesday for Madhya PradeshNath, the MP Congress chief, has been almost finalised as the leader of the legislature party ahead of Jyotiraditya Scindia. As a day-long exercise in Bhopal by party observers capped the process of consultation, Nath appears to the preferred pick. 

Meanwhile, by espousing Nath’s name, Jyotiraditya Scindia, the former’s key contender in race for CM, has all but bowed out. Congress chief Rahul Gandhi will take a final call on the issue, keeping in mind the 2019 polls which are just around the corner.

Rajasthan: Ashok Gehlot tipped to lead state, flies to Delhi to meet Sonia, Rahul Gandhi 

Ashok Gehlot flew down to New Delhi early on Thursday morning to meet Rahul and Sonia Gandhi, thereby strengthening speculations that he might be the party’s pick to lead Rajasthan. A power-starved Congress party has made a substantial come back in three of five states that went to poll, unseating two strong BJP chief ministers.

Rahul Gandhi seeks Congress workers’ opinion on CM picks through party’s own internal messaging app

As suspense mounted on who would get the top job in the three states, party leaders said the names could now be announced on Thursday after Rahul meets the observers appointed for the three states and other senior leaders.

Rahul, on the other hand, has also reached out directly to the party workers in the three states to know their top choice for the chief minister post through an internal mobile messaging app, party leaders said. He is said to have recorded a special video message, urging MLAs to let him know their preference directly via the internal messaging app. Congress chief assured the Congress workers of complete secrecy, adding that their preferences will only be known to Rahul himself, and no one else.

Rahul Gandhi to take call on three state’s chief ministers today

With numbers in place to form governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the elected Congress MLAs on Wednesday authorised the party’s national president Rahul Gandhi to decide the chief ministers as senior leaders including top contenders held hectic parleys through the day and till late in night.