Congress set to form governments in Hindi heartland states

New Delhi,  Dec 12: The Congress was poised on Wednesday to form governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh, signalling a newfound energy in the party ranks and energizing opposition efforts to stop the BJP juggernaut before general elections next year.

             All eyes now were on party president Rahul Gandhi’s choice of chief ministers of the three states, which he will decide after the victorious MLAs finish their meetings in the three states.

            In Rajasthan, the contenders for the chief minister’s post are Pradesh Congress Committee president Sachin Pilot and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, both of whom won huge victories in their constituencies.

            The Congress emerged as the single-largest party in Rajasthan in Tuesday’s vote count, winning 99 seats. It’s ally Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) won one seat for a total of 100 seats — the required number to form government.

             In Chattisgarh, the contenders for the CM post are Lok Sabha member Tamradhwaj Sahu, who successfully contested the Assembly election from Durg Rural seat, state party chief Bhupesh Baghel and senior leader T S Singhdeo.

            The Congress victory in Chhattisgarh ended the 15-year rule of the Raman Singh-led Bharatiya Janata Party government. It won 68 seats in the 90-member Assembly, while the BJP got only 15 seats.

             A party needs to win 46 seats to form government in the state.

            The chief minister is likely to be announced after the meeting.