Shivraj Singh Chouhan concedes defeat; set to sit in opposition

After losing the state on Tuesday, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan conceded defeat. He also accepted that the BJP had not been able to win a majority.

Resigning from his post on Wednesday, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that BJP would not stake claim to form the government and congratulated Congress state president Kamal Nath for Congress’ performance.

“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,” Chouhan told the media.

On the other hand, with the BSP and SP gave support to the Rahul Gandhi-led party in MP, the developments have now paved the way for the formation of a Congress government in the State. Meanwhile, Governor Anandiben Patel has invited the Congress at noon and the party would produce proof of its majority in the state assembly.

Importantly, the Congress Legislature Party will meet at 4 pm to choose its leader. The elected candidates will have to choose either Kamal Nath or Jyotiraditya Scindia for the post of Chief Minister. While 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, 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. Scindia further added that we have the majority, as we have support from independents, the BSP and SP.

He also took a dig at the BJP and said that the saffron party 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,” he added.

Earlier, Kamal Nath thanked the people of the state and told reporters that every section of society had supported the Congress.

Also Read: Madhya Pradesh Assembly election 2018: Congress emerges as single largest party