This Article is From Dec 14, 2018

Election Results Highlights: Kamal Nath Is Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Congress Tweets

Election Results 2018: Kamal Nath is the new chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, the Congress tweeted from its official handle. "An era of change is upon MP," the Congress tweeted.

Election Results Highlights: Kamal Nath Is Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Congress Tweets

Election Results: Congress announced Kamal Nath as Madhya Pradesh's new chief minister

New Delhi:

Kamal Nath is the new chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, the Congress tweeted from its official handle. "An era of change is upon MP," the Congress tweeted. "Our best wishes to Shri @OfficeOfKNath for being elected CM of Madhya Pradesh," the tweet said. The announcement comes after suspense throughout the day over who would become the chief minister of the state. The Congress is yet to announce who will become the chief ministers of Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.

In Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot has an edge over Sachin Pilot to be chief minister Rajasthan, sources have told NDTV. Earlier today, top Congress leaders from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh went into a huddle with Congress president Rahul Gandhi to discuss who will be chief ministers for the two states.

At the Congress' legislature party meeting yesterday, MLAs from both states passed an order saying the final decision will be that of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.

The BJP too has arranged a marathon 7-hour meeting today where the results of the recently held assembly elections would be analysed. BJP chief Amit Shah has reportedly asked for a detailed report from each district of each states. The BJP would also discuss in detail the party's future plan of action keeping the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in mind. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address BJP MPs, which will be followed by a seven-hour meeting of its key organisational leaders.

The assembly election results on Tuesday came as the biggest electoral setback to the BJP since it stormed to power at the centre in 2014.

Here are the highlights from the Congress and BJP's crucial meetings today after the 2018 election results:

Dec 14, 2018 00:12 (IST)
Read Here: CM Of MP: Milestone, Says Kamal Nath, Picked As Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister
Kamal Nath, 72, was a shoo-in for the post after he led the Congress to a narrow victory in the state election and ended the BJP's dream-run in the key heartland state.
Dec 13, 2018 23:58 (IST)

I assure people of Madhya Pradesh that we will fulfil our promises; a new beginning has been made, says Kamal Nath. I have full faith that Madhya Pradesh's future is protected, he said.
Dec 13, 2018 23:53 (IST)
Sloganeering at the Bhopal office amid the meeting.

"I want to thank every voter in MP. You voted for what was right," says Kamal Nath. Kamal Nath also said that he will meet the Madhya Pradesh governor Anandiben Patel to form the government in the state.
Dec 13, 2018 23:46 (IST)
CM of MP: Kamal Nath, Jyotiraditya Scindia are set to address a presss conference in Bhopal

Kamal Nath, Jyotiraditya Scindia are now set to address a presss conference in Bhopal
Dec 13, 2018 23:44 (IST)
Rajasthan Election Results 2018: After Sachin Pilot leaves, Ashok Gehlot arrives to meet Rahul Gandhi

Ashok Gehlot has arrived to meet Rahul Gandhi in Delhi. Sachin Pilot earlier had a meeting with Rahul Gandhi, before Mr Gehlot.

After announcing Kamal Nath as the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, Rahul Gandhi has to decide who the chief ministers of Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh will be.
Dec 13, 2018 23:34 (IST)
CM of MP: Priyanka Chaturvedi, Congress's national spokesperson tweets her congratulations to Kamal Nath

"Many congratulations @OfficeOfKNath ji, thank you for your support, leadership and guidance during the entire campaign. Wishing you all the very best as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh!" Congress's national spokesperson tweeted.
Dec 13, 2018 23:24 (IST)
CM of Madhya Pradesh: "An era of change is upon MP," tweets Congress, declares Kamal Nath chief minister

The Congress tweeted the official announcement of Kamal Nath as the new chief minister of Kamal Nath. In its tweet, the Congress says "an era of change is upon MP with him at the helm."
Dec 13, 2018 23:17 (IST)
BREAKING: Congress tweets saying Kamal Nath is Chief Minister

Kamal Nath is chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, says Congress on Twitter.
Dec 13, 2018 23:15 (IST)
Madhya Pradesh Elections 2018: Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia are set to address a press conference at Bhopal's Congress party office

Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia are set to address a press conference at Bhopal's Congress party office.

Supporters of both leaders can be heard shouting slogans outside the party office.

Dec 13, 2018 23:15 (IST)
Madhya Pradesh Elections 2018: Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia are set to address a press conference at Bhopal's Congress party office

Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia are set to address a press conference at Bhopal's Congress party office.

Supporters of both leaders can be heard shouting slogans outside the party office.

Dec 13, 2018 22:59 (IST)
Madhya Pradesh Election Results 2018: Kamal Nath, Jyotiraditya Scindia arrive for Congress meeting, supporters for leaders shout slogans to have their voices heard

Kamal Nath, who according to sources will become the next Madhya Pradesh chief minister and Jyotiraditya Scindia, who is hopeful to get the post, have arrived to attend a Congress meeting in the party office at Bhopal.

Supporters of both Mr Scindia and Mr Nath shouted slogans in support of their leaders.

Dec 13, 2018 22:34 (IST)
Race for CM of Rajasthan: Sachin Pilot reaches Rahul Gandhi's residence

Sachin Pilot has reached Rahul Gandhi's residence.

Dec 13, 2018 22:14 (IST)
Election Results 2018: Kamal Nath reaches Bhopal amid rousing reception

Kamal Nath has arrived at Bhopal in a rousing reception. His supporters are chanting his name, saying "Hail Kamal Nath".

Dec 13, 2018 21:52 (IST)
Congress leader TS Singh Deo will arrive in Delhi tomorrow morning, according to news agency ANI
Dec 13, 2018 21:17 (IST)
Chhattisgarh Election Results 2018: Mallikarjun Kharge says the decision on chief minister of Chhattisgarh will be taken tomorrow

Mallikarjun Kharge says the decision on chief minister of Chhattisgarh will be taken tomorrow
Dec 13, 2018 20:59 (IST)
Madhya Pradesh Results 2018: Read Here: As Kamal Nath Leads Race For Madhya Pradesh Top Post, Akalis Cite 1984 Riots
The buzz about veteran leader Kamal Nath being picked for the Chief Minister's post in Madhya Pradesh has triggered protests among the Sikh community. Its prominent leaders have warned the Congress of repercussions if Mr Nath, who, they say, had a role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, be chosen to head a state.
Dec 13, 2018 20:50 (IST)
CM Of Rajasthan, CM Of MP: Read Here: Kamal Nath Bags Madhya Pradesh Job, Jyotiraditya Scindia Gets Delhi Role
Rahul Gandhi tweeted a photo with Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya on Thursday evening, all smiles and their arms linked in harmony, indicating that the fight for the chief minister's job in at least one state was over. Kamal Nath is likely to be named chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, a decision that his younger rival Jyotiraditya Scindia apparently accepted after marathon meetings. The race remains open in Rajasthan, where Ashok Gehlot is the leadership's favourite but state Congress chief Sachin Pilot has put up a strong fight.
Dec 13, 2018 20:37 (IST)
Madhya Pradesh Election Results 2018: Kamal Nath to become the new chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, say sources

Kamal Nath to become the new chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, top sources in the Congress party have confirmed. Both Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia had shortly left for Bhopal, saying the chief minister name will be announced shortly.
Dec 13, 2018 20:33 (IST)
Rahul Gandhi tweeted a photo of him with Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia. "The two most powerful warriors are patience and time," tweeted Rahul Gandhi, which is a quote by author Leo Tolstoy.

Dec 13, 2018 20:13 (IST)
Race for CM of MP: Jyotirasitya Scindia leaves Rahul Gandhi's residence, says "It is not a race"

"It is not about kursi (seat). It is not a race. We are here to serve the people of Madhya Pradesh. I am leaving for Bhopal and you will get to know the decision today," said Jyotiraditya Scindia, after leaving Rahul Gandhi's residence.


Dec 13, 2018 20:06 (IST)
Madhya Pradesh Results 2018: Kamal Nath says the name of Madhya Pradesh's chief minister will be announced in Bhopal

"I am leaving for Bhopal, MLAs meeting will be held and we will announce the chief minister name after that," says Kamal Nath.
Dec 13, 2018 19:41 (IST)
Dec 13, 2018 19:05 (IST)
Race for CM of Rajasthan: "What right does BJP have to comment?" says Ashok Gehlot

"Congress has won under Rahul Gandhi's leadership. The process of selecting CM is on. Congress is united in Rajasthan. What right does BJP have to comment?" Ashok Gehlot told the media.

Dec 13, 2018 19:02 (IST)
Rajasthan Election Results: Ashok Gehlot says "nobody will hold a grudge" on whoever becomes chief minister

"Nobody will hold a grudge," Ashok Gehlot said. "We have won three states under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi," he said, adding that this was a message to the people who spread violence in the Hindi heartland.
Dec 13, 2018 18:55 (IST)
Rajasthan Election Results 2018: "Even common people do things, which are then blamed on Congress workers," said Ashok Gehlot

"Amid excitement, even common people do things, which are then blamed on Congress workers," Ashok Gehlot said.
Dec 13, 2018 18:54 (IST)
Rajasthan Results 2018: "The process is on, it takes time," says Ashok Gehlot

Amid the selection of the Rajasthan chief minister, contender Ashok Gehlot says "the process is on. I want to appeal to the party workers to maintain peace."
Dec 13, 2018 18:43 (IST)
Read Here: CM Of Rajasthan: Sachin Pilot's Appeal For Calm As Race For Chief Minister Fuels Protests
Rajasthan Election Results 2018: Sachin Pilot today appealed to Congress workers for "peace and decorum" amid reports of his supporters blocking the highway in the tense race for the post of Rajasthan chief minister.
Dec 13, 2018 18:42 (IST)
Race For CM Of Rajasthan: Watch: Sachin Pilot's Appeal For Calm As Wait For Chief Minister Sparks Protests
Sachin Pilot today appealed to Congress workers for "peace and decorum" amid reports of his supporters blocking the highway in the tense race for the post of Rajasthan chief minister. Two-time chief minister Ashok Gehlot was emerging as the party's choice, sources said after Rahul Gandhi met the two leaders in Delhi. But Sachin Pilot has reportedly refused to stand down quietly. As the wait for an announcement dragged on, there were reports that Sachin Pilot's supporters were protesting on a highway in Rajasthan.
Dec 13, 2018 17:59 (IST)
Election Results 2018: Sachin Pilot's supporters block road in Rajasthan town Karauli

Amid Rahul Gandhi's imminent announcement of a chief minister in Rajasthan, Sachin Pilot's supporters are protesting by blocking a road in Rajasthan town Karauli.

Dec 13, 2018 17:39 (IST)
Election Results 2018: NDTV Lead Story. Read Here: Gandhis Discuss Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan Amid Tense Race For Top Job
Sonia Gandhi joined Congress president Rahul Gandhi for discussions today as the party confronted a tense race for the chief minister's post in two big states it won this week just months before the national election - Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. This morning, Sonia Gandhi had said in response to NDTV's question on who would be chief minister: "Ask Rahul." Hours later, the party chief was no closer to any decision. His sister Priyanka Vadra also joined the meeting as the party pulled out the heavy artillery to tackle the crisis.
Dec 13, 2018 17:39 (IST)
Results 2018: Read Here: 3,000 Phone Calls To Protect Congress Lead in Madhya Pradesh: Source
It took nearly 3000 phone calls and an all-night vigil to ensure that the Congress did not lose its narrow lead against the BJP in Madhya Pradesh, a leader familiar with the circumstances has told NDTV.
Dec 13, 2018 17:27 (IST)
Election Results 2018: Congress meeting postponed

Congress meeting of Members of Legislative Assembly or MLAs has been postponed to 8.30 pm.
Dec 13, 2018 17:23 (IST)
Election Results 2018: Just Used By Rahul Gandhi, Congress' Secret Tool This Election Season
It may be Congress' secret weapon this election season and the key to true democratic power. On Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi's audio message went to at least two lakh Congress workers across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, who were encouraged to name their choice for chief minister to the Congress president through the Shakti app.
Dec 13, 2018 17:20 (IST)
Election Results 2018: "35 years later, this is being brought up" Digvijaya Singh to NDTV on Kamal Nath's name being brought up in alleged involvement in 1984 Sikh riots

Digvijaya Singh, speaking to NDTV, said Kamal Nath's name was being brought up "35 years later" for alleged involvement in the 1984 Sikh Riots. Mr Singh said that there was "no case against him" and that there's "no chargesheet".

Dec 13, 2018 17:13 (IST)
Election Results 2018: Priyanka Gandhi has reached Rahul Gandhi's residence

Priyanka Gandhi reached Rahul Gandhi's residence, ahead of the announcement by Rahul Gandhi of the chief ministers of Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
Dec 13, 2018 17:10 (IST)
Election Results 2018: Posters and banners seen outside Congress party's office in Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal

Posters and banners featuring Madhavrao Scindia are displayed outside the Congress party's office in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh's capital.



Dec 13, 2018 17:05 (IST)
Election Results 2018: PM Narendra Modi congratulates KCR on taking oath as Chief Minister

PM Narendra Modi tweeted his congratulations to KCR for taking oath as chief minister of Telangana for the second time.

"Congratulations to KCR Garu on taking oath as the CM of Telangana. Best wishes for his tenure ahead," tweets PM Modi.
Dec 13, 2018 16:58 (IST)
Election Results 2018: A poster congratulating Kamal Nath for being named Chief Minister is seen outside Congress office in Bhopal

A poster congratulating Kamal Nath for being named Chief Minister is seen outside Congress office in Bhopal, according to news agency ANI

Dec 13, 2018 16:55 (IST)
Election Results 2018: Clashes outside Chhattisgarh chief minister contender's residence

There are reports of clashes outside Bhupesh Bhaghel, Chhattisgarh chief minister contender's residence.
Dec 13, 2018 16:47 (IST)
Election Results 2018: Security tightened ahead of announcement of name of Rajasthan chief minister

Security was tightened in Rajasthan capital Jaipur on 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, according to news agency Press Trust of India.

A large number of supporters are present at the civil lines residence of Mr Gehlot, while Mr Pilot's supporters are also present near his house in Jalupura, according to PTI.

"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.

Apart from their residences, the party members and leaders are also present at the Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee office at Jaipur's Sansarchandra road and waiting for the clearance from the party high command over the name of the chief minister.

Many Gurjar community members and supporters of Mr Pilot had assembled near the PCC office Wednesday when the Congress Legislature Party meeting was going on for the discussion over the name of the chief minister and kept raising slogans in support of Mr Pilot, according to PTI.

"We are waiting for the official announcement of the chief minister's name. The decision was left on the party president. Nothing can be said at this moment," party lawmaker Raghu Sharma said.
Dec 13, 2018 16:30 (IST)
Election Results 2018: Resd Here: You Won't Get Even 200 Seats If...: Ally Akali Dal's Naresh Gujral Warns BJP After Election Losses
After its worst election losses since coming to power in 2014, the ruling BJP has received a sharp message from one of its oldest allies. Naresh Gujral, a leader of the Akali Dal, has said that the BJP has to "quickly settle" with allies or it will be in big trouble in the 2019 general election.
Dec 13, 2018 16:25 (IST)
Election Results 2018: Read Here: For 2019, BJP Will Bet Bigger Than Ever On Narendra Modi: Foreign Media
Rocked by regional election defeats and investor dismay at the surprise loss of the central bank chief, India's ruling party is doubling down on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Dec 13, 2018 16:24 (IST)
Election Results 2018: Read Here: Who As Chief Minister? "Ask Rahul Gandhi," Sonia Gandhi Said. His Response...
In the middle of intense negotiations in the Congress for the top job in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, Sonia Gandhi, asked who she thought would be chief minister, said: "Please ask Rahul".
Dec 13, 2018 16:24 (IST)
Rajasthan Election Results 2018: Read Here: Ashok Gehlot To Be Rajasthan Chief Minister, Announcement Soon: Sources
Rajasthan Election Results 2018: Ashok Gehlot is likely to be Rajasthan chief minister for the third time, Congress sources said today after Rahul Gandhi met both him and his rival Sachin Pilot in Delhi. The Congress president is expected to make an announcement shortly.
Dec 13, 2018 16:00 (IST)
Election Results 2018: Sonia Gandhi reaches Rahul Gandhi's residence

Sonia Gandhi has arrived at Rahul Gandhi's residence. Mr Gandhi is due to announce who will be chief minister of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
Dec 13, 2018 14:32 (IST)
Election Results 2018: Kamal Nath To Be Chief Minister Of Madhya Pradesh, Jyotiraditya Scindia Offered Deputy's Post: Sources

Before setting upon the challenge of deciding chief ministers for two big states and negotiating with two sets of leaders angling for the job, Rahul Gandhi told reporters this morning: "Of course, you have to see a chief minister soon."

Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia from Madhya Pradesh and Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot from Rajasthan are in Delhi for meetings with the Congress president, who had said right after the party's wins on Tuesday that the choice of chief minister would be smooth and would be "done easily".



Sachin Pilot met with the party chief and it was a "good meeting," sources told NDTV.

Sources say Kamal Nath is a cinch for Madhya Pradesh, where the Congress won a narrow victory in the election, emerging as the largest party but touching majority only with support from Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).

Jyotiraditya Scindia, who reportedly also wants the job, is likely to be offered the post of deputy. While state chief Kamal Nath, 72, has the backing of a large section of legislators, Mr Scindia's argument is that he has greater popular support. When NDTV asked him yesterday whether he would like to be chief minister, the 47-year-old replied: "Absolutely, I would be honoured to serve as chief minister."

In Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot is likely to be the next chief minister, Congress sources said today amid reports of an intense contest between the two-time chief minister and state chief Sachin Pilot.

Sources say 67-year-old Ashok Gehlot, an experienced warhorse, has the support of party leaders in Delhi with an eye on the 2019 national election. Sachin Pilot, credited with recharging the Congress in Rajasthan after its poorest show in state polls in 2013, reportedly put up a fight. There was "not even a blade of grass in the state" when he took charge, he had reportedly argued.

However, sources say two-thirds of the 99 newly-elected Congress lawmakers in Rajasthan, in a six-hour meeting, conveyed to the central leadership that they want Sachin Pilot, 41, to be chief minister.



Sources say the Congress is weighing a formula that will keep both leaders happy, since it is the combined strength of both that has brought the party this far. Such a formula may involve positioning one leader in Delhi for a national role, leaving the other to manage Rajasthan.

Rahul Gandhi's audio message to 2.4 lakh Congress workers, urging them to reveal to him - "after this beep" - their choice of chief minister in complete confidence, reflects the party's challenging task after scoring poll victories in three big heartland states.

The close election battles in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, say Congress leaders, has made the choice more difficult as the party prepares for the national poll campaign.

Dec 13, 2018 14:06 (IST)
Dec 13, 2018 13:44 (IST)
JUST IN: Ashok Gehlot To Be The Next Chief Minister Of Rajasthan, Sources Say

Breaking News: Ashok Gehlot to be the next chief minister of Rajasthan, say sources. The official announcement is likely to be made by 4 pm today. Both Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot have left Rahul Gandhi's residence.

Dec 13, 2018 13:40 (IST)
Dec 13, 2018 13:39 (IST)
Dec 13, 2018 13:38 (IST)
Dec 13, 2018 13:33 (IST)
K Chandrashekar Rao Takes Oath As Telangana Chief Minister

Just In: While Congress and BJP are busy in their respective meetings in Delhi, TRS chief K Chandrashekar Rao, popularly known as KCR takes oath as the chief minister of Telangana for his second successive term.

Dec 13, 2018 13:24 (IST)
Dec 13, 2018 13:16 (IST)
Dec 13, 2018 12:58 (IST)
Rahul Gandhi Convenes Meeting To Decide On Chief Ministers For Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh

Chief Ministerial candidates from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have reached Rahul Gandhi's residence, where the meeting with the Congress chief in under way.

While Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia are being considered for the top post in Madhya Pradesh, Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot are the names suggested for Rajasthan.

Rahul Gandhi will also decide who the next chief minister of Chhattisgarh will be. For Chhattisgarh, the front-runners are Lok Sabha member Tamradhwaj Sahu, who successfully contested the Assembly election from Durg Rural seat, state party chief Bhupesh Baghel and senior leader TS Singh Deo.

Rahul Gandhi will make the final decision today, after which the names of chief ministers for Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh will be announced.
Dec 13, 2018 12:55 (IST)
Ashok Gehlot Reaches Rahul Gandhi's Residence For A Discussion On Rajasthan's Chief Minister
Dec 13, 2018 12:39 (IST)
Sachin Pilot Reaches Rahul Gandhi's Residence For A Discussion On Rajasthan's Chief Minister

Dec 13, 2018 12:37 (IST)
In Marathon BJP Meet, Amit Shah Discusses BJP's Election Rout

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah are in a meeting with BJP MPs and senior party leaders to discuss the recent assembly election defeat and strategise the plan for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP suffered its worse state election defeats since taking power at the centre in 2014, losing 3 key states - Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.

Prime Minister Modi will address the MPs and top leaders at the meeting.

The parliamentary party meet will be followed by a seven-hour marathon meeting of key organisational leaders with Amit Shah.

PM Modi's address to BJP parliamentarians is a weekly affair when parliament is in session but this time, it has greater significance because of the BJP's state election losses just months before the national election.

On Tuesday, the BJP lost three big states, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, to the Congress. Its attempt to widen its base in Telangana failed too, as its tally fell from five to one seat. In Mizoram, the BJP won one seat while the opposition Mizo National Front decimated the ruling Congress.

Amit Shah will hold discussions with top party leaders for what is likely to be a long meeting till late into the evening. The meeting was planned before the results were announced, according to sources quoted by news agency Press Trust of India.

PM Modi had tweeted on Tuesday that "the party accepts the results with humility" and that "victory and defeat are an integral part of life". He said the results would further the BJP's resolve to serve people and the party will work even harder for the development of India.

The losses for the BJP in the heartland states are huge - the party won 62 seats of the 65 Lok Sabha constituencies in the three states in 2014. The party needs to put up a strong show in these states in the 2019 national polls for anything close to its spectacular performance in the last elections.

Dec 13, 2018 12:16 (IST)
Sachin Pilot Leaves His Residence In Delhi, Is Scheduled To Meet Rahul Gandhi

Dec 13, 2018 12:14 (IST)
"Ask Rahul Gandhi", Sonia Gandhi Said When Asked Who Will Be Chief Minister In Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh

Dec 13, 2018 12:08 (IST)
While Some MLAs Back Ashok Gehlot, Young Supporters Want Sachin Pilot As Rajasthan's Chief Minister

Dec 13, 2018 12:05 (IST)
Dec 13, 2018 12:05 (IST)
Dec 13, 2018 12:04 (IST)
Sachin Pilot's Supporters Demand He Be Made Chief Minister Of Rajasthan

Dec 13, 2018 12:02 (IST)
Senior Congress Leader TS Singh Deo On Chhattisgarh's Next Chief Minister

Dec 13, 2018 11:43 (IST)
Who As Chief Minister? "Ask Rahul," Sonia Gandhi Said. His Response...

In the middle of intense negotiations in the Congress for the top job in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, Sonia Gandhi, asked who she thought would be chief minister, said: "Please ask Rahul".

Her son and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi has the tough task today of deciding chief ministers for the three big states won by the party on Tuesday.

"We are taking inputs from different people in the party - from MLAs, from workers... We are getting a comprehensive answer to what the Congress party and others feel... of course you have to see a chief minister soon," he told reporters as he left parliament to return to his party office to meet the two sets of leaders fighting for the chief minister's post in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan - Kamal Nath, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot.

On Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi took the unusual step of sending an audio message to over two lakh party workers in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh and urging them to use an app to reveal their choice of chief minister.

Speaking to NDTV, Rahul Gandhi said it was an attempt to connect with the party workers and get them to communicate, and also an effort to find out who would be suitable for the top post.

Sonia Gandhi, who gave the party reins to her son after 19 years last December, agreed that he was attempting something "different and refreshing". "An experiment, but this is a good experiment," she said.

In the audio message, the Congress President asks workers to name their choice and promises complete confidentiality. "Who should be the chief minister? Please mention just one name. I'm the only person who would know whom you are naming. No one in the party will know. Please speak after the beep," he says.

Dec 13, 2018 11:39 (IST)
Rahul Gandhi's audio message to 2.4 lakh Congress workers, urging them to reveal to him - "after this beep" - their choice of chief minister in complete confidence, reflects the party's challenging task after scoring poll victories in three big heartland states.

On Tuesday, the Congress president had said there would be "no issue" over chief ministership. "It will be done smoothly," he had said, in contrast to the intense lobbying that had already begun on the night of counting.

Watch: Rahul Gandhi's audio message to 2.4 lakh Congress workers

Dec 13, 2018 11:35 (IST)
Sources say two-thirds of the 99 newly-elected Congress lawmakers in Rajasthan, in a six-hour meeting, conveyed to the central leadership that they want Sachin Pilot, the 41-year-old state Congress head, to be chief minister.

Sources say the Congress is weighing a formula that will keep both leaders happy, since it is the combined strength of both that has brought the party this far. Such a formula may involve positioning one leader in Delhi for a national role, leaving the other to manage Rajasthan.


Dec 13, 2018 11:34 (IST)
In Rajasthan the Congress is confronting a tougher choice between state chief Sachin Pilot and two-time chief minister Ashok Gehlot, 67.

Sources say Ashok Gehlot, an experienced warhorse, has emerged as the front-runner for party leaders with an eye on the 2019 national election, but Sachin Pilot, credited with recharging the Congress in Rajasthan after its poorest show in state polls in 2013, is putting up a fight.

Dec 13, 2018 11:22 (IST)
Jyotiraditya Scindia, who reportedly also wants the job, is likely to be offered the post of deputy. While Kamal Nath, 72, is the state chief, Mr Scindia's argument is that he has popular support. When NDTV asked him yesterday whether he would like to be chief minister, the 47-year-old replied: "Absolutely, I would be honoured to serve as chief minister."

Watch: Jyotiraditya Scindia's interview to NDTV

Dec 13, 2018 11:22 (IST)
Rahul Gandhi is expected to take a call on chief ministers in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan today after a meeting with two pairs of leaders fighting for the top job. Kamal Nath is likely to be named chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, where the party won a narrow victory in state polls, emerging as the largest party but touching majority only with support from Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).
Dec 13, 2018 11:19 (IST)
Dec 13, 2018 11:18 (IST)
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Dec 13, 2018 11:14 (IST)
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Dec 13, 2018 11:13 (IST)
Dec 13, 2018 11:12 (IST)
Dec 13, 2018 11:09 (IST)
PM Modi addresses the BJP parliamentary party almost every week when Parliament is in session, but his speech today assumes more significance following the party's losses in the assembly elections. The Assembly election results on Tuesday came as the biggest electoral setback to the BJP since it stormed to power at the Centre in 2014.
Dec 13, 2018 11:08 (IST)
The BJP would also discuss in detail the party's future plan of action keeping the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in mind. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address BJP MPs, which will be followed by a seven-hour meeting of its key organisational leaders.
Dec 13, 2018 11:08 (IST)
The BJP too has arranged a marathon 7-hour meeting today where the results of the recently held assembly elections would be analysed. BJP chief Amit Shah has reportedly asked for a detailed report from each district of each states.
Dec 13, 2018 11:07 (IST)
Sources from the Congress say that a likely outcome may be that Kamal Nath and Ashok Gehlot would be chief ministers, while Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sachin Pilot may be their deputies.
Dec 13, 2018 11:06 (IST)
Kamal Nath, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot reached Delhi this morning to meet Rahul Gandhi for a breakfast meeting at his residence.
Dec 13, 2018 11:06 (IST)
At the Congress' legislature party meeting yesterday, MLAs from both states passed an order saying the final decision will be that of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.
Dec 13, 2018 11:05 (IST)
Top Congress leaders from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh went into a huddle with Congress president Rahul Gandhi to discuss who will be chief ministers for the two states. While Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia are being considered for the top post in Madhya Pradesh, the contenders for chief minister in Rajasthan are Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot.

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