The Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee has chosen Kamal Nath, a senior leader and former Union Minister as the party’s chief minister-designate, the party announced late on December 13. The announcement puts to rest speculation regarding the party’s choice as Jyotiraditya Scindia was also in the fray.
Both the Congress and the BJP were locked in a close battle as the counting continued on December 11. Congress emerged as the single largest party with 114 seats, two short of the majority mark of 116 in a 230 member assembly. The BJP managed to win 109 seats. Kamal Nath, who is also the chief of the Congress’ state unit, wrote to Governor Anandiben Patel, staking claim to form the government in the state.
The party claimed it has the support of the independent candidates. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav had earlier announced that they would be extending support to the Congress. BSP won two seats while SP one.