Putting speculation to rest, the Congress Saturday is likely to announce a chief minister for Chhattisgarh. Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi held talks with senior party leaders this morning, including the top contenders in the race. Mallikarjun Kharge, the party’s observer for Chhattisgarh, and P L Punia, who is in-charge in the state, are expected to fly to Raipur later, where the announcement may be made.
The four contenders in the race for the CM post are Bhupesh Baghel, T S Singh Deo, Tamradhwaj Sahu, and Charan Das Mahant. Meanwhile, Congress’ newly-elected MLAs in the state will also meet today. The Congress had comfortably secured majority in the Chhattsigarh Assembly after winning 68 seats in the 90-member House. The BJP saw a major dent in its vote bank, winning just 15 seats in the Assembly.