MP Election Result 2018, Madhya Pradesh CM Race Live: The result of Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections is out with Congress emerging as the single largest party in 230 seats Assembly. While the Congress has bagged 114 sets, the BJP has won 109 seats. The magic figure to form a government in this central state is 116. Notable, the Samajwadi Party of Akhilesh Yadav has already announced that its lone MLA will back the Congress, taking tally to 115. Four Independents have also won. Meanwhile, Congress has sought an appointment from Governor Anandiben Patel to stake claim to form the next government. However, Patel has said that appointment will only be given after a formal announcement of result by the Election Commission.
Just like in Rajasthan, the election in Madhya Pradesh was fought under the leadership of two key Congress leaders — Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia. Both are the top contenders for the CM’s job. Interestingly, both the leaders have not contested the Assembly polls. While Scindia, 41, has a mass appeal, Nath has over 40 years of experience. Seen as one of the most successful parliamentarians ever, Nath is also close to the Gandhi family.
Also Read: Madhya Pradesh Election Results LIVE Updates
Live Blog
Live Madhya Pradesh CM Race, MP Election Result 2018: Congress gains majority in 230 seats Assembly
Madhya Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has called senior Congress leaders at the Raj Bhawan for talks. The Congress had sought an appointment with her on the issue of formation of government in the state. A PTI report said that senior Congress leaders Kamal Nath, Digvijay Singh and Jyotiraditya Scindia, among others, will meet Patel.
Soon after the result was declared early morning, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, "We did not get majority, will not stake claim to form Government. I am going to tender my resignation to the Governor." Shivraj was made the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh in November 2005.
In a shot in the arm for the Congress, the Samajwadi Party on Wednesday announced its support to Rahul Gandhi's party to form government in Madhya Pradesh. "The SP supports the Congress to form government in MP," Yadav said in tweet that came less than an hour after BSP made a similar offer to the Congress in Madhya Pradesh.
BJP's three-time Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has resigned from the post. "Ab mein mukt hoon, I am free. I have tendered my resignation to the honourable Governor. The responsibility of defeat is totally mine. I have congratulated Kamal Nath ji," he said.
Former Union minister AK Antony has been appointed as the Congress' observer. He will reach Bhopal shortly to oversee the preparations for the government formation. The Congress MLAs will meet at 4 pm to discuss the future strtegy. The same will be informed to Congress president Rahul Gandhi later.
Congress' state unit president Kamal Nath will call on former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan later in the day, Party spokesperson Shobha Oza informed that at 4 PM newsly elected party MLAs will meet.
A delegation of Congress party comprising senior leaders like Kamal Nath, Digvijaya Singh and Jyotiraditya Scindia will meet Governor Anandiben Patel at Raj Bhavan in Bhopal later in the afternoon to stake claim to for the next government.
Mayawati announced that even though she has differences with many of Congress's policies, "we have agreed to support them in Madhya Pradesh and if need be in Rajasthan." The BSP won 2 seats in Madhya Pradesh while Samajwadi Party 1. The Congress has 114 MLAs in 230-member Assembly.
According to Madhya Pradesh Election Commission Office, the Congress has emerged as the single-largest party with 114 seats. The BJP has got 109 seats. The Congress was locked in a tantalising see-saw battle with the BJP in the state where the saffron party was in power since 2013.