Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan conceded defeat on Wednesday, accepting that the BJP had not been able to win a majority.
Resigning from his post, he said the party would not stake claim to form the government, and congratulated Congress state president Kamal Nath for Congress’ performance.
With the BSP and SP pledging support to the Congress in MP , the developments have now paved the way for the formation of a Congress government in the State. “I have resigned. The responsibility for the loss is fully mine. I got people’s love and also votes. I congratulate Kamal Nath ji. Now I am free,” Mr. Chouhan told the media.
Governor Anandiben Patel has invited the Congress at noon, and the party would produce proof of its majority in the state assembly.
The Congress Legislature Party will meet at 4 pm to choose its leader.
While Mr. Kamal Nath is widely being seen as the frontrunner for the post, a large section of party workers have also looked upon Jyotiraditya Scindia as a potential Chief Minister.
However, seeking to scotch speculation of rifts in the rank and file of the Congress in MP, Mr. Scindia told reporters that he would humbly accept whatever decision party president Rahul Gandhi would take. “The rule of the people has come in MP. We have to fulfil people’s aspirations,” he told reporters.
Asked about who would be Chief Minister, he said the party would take a call. “I will accept the decision of the party president,” he said.
Mr. Scindia added, “We have the majority, as we have support from independents, the BSP and SP.”
He also took a swipe at the BJP: “The BJP has not been able to cross 200 seats in all five states taken together. They had claimed they would cross 200 in MP alone. I would request the BJP to shed their arrogance and come down to the ground.”
Mr. Kamal Nath thanked the people of the state and told reporters that every section of society had supported the Congress.
