NEW DELHI: Congress is in a dilemma over the decision of selecting Chief Ministers in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. The meetings headed by Rahul Gandhi couldn’t find a solution to this problem. Rumours of Ashok Gehlot becoming Chief Minister have led to violent protests from the followers of Sachin Pilot. In Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the front runners for CM position are Kamal Nath and Bhupesh Baghel.

The marathon meetings presided by Rahul Gandhi continued on to late night. Discussions were held on the basis of report submitted by AICC leaders A.K. Antony, K.C. Venugopal and Mallikarjun Kharge. Rahul also held meetings with new elected legislators. There was an online poll to seek opinion of voters through ‘Sakthi’ application. UPA President Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra was also part of the meetings.

Protests turned violent in Rajasthan

In order to find common ground, Rahul called Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot to Delhi for a special meeting. K.C. Venugopal and AICC General Secretary Avinash Pandey informed that most of the legislators supported Ashok Gehlot to the CM position. In order to calm down Gujjars, community that supports Sachin Pilot, there were suggestions to make Sachin Deputy Chief Minister. Protests followed after rumours spread that Gehlot will be chosen as the CM of the state. People of Gujjar community blocked highways and burned vehicles. There were suicide threats from some party workers. Sachin Pilot had to intervene to calm them down. Gehlot has the support of Jatt and Rajput communities. Keeping the upcoming Loksabha elections in mind, Congress cannot jump into a conclusion and upset a section of the society.

Kamal Nath in Madhya Pradesh

Kamal Nath received support from majority of legislators and will be appointed as the Chief Minister of Rajasthan. Earlier Jyotiraditya Scindia was also considered to the position. Followers of Scindia protested in front of Congress party head office at Bhopal.

Protests in Chhattisgarh

Followers of Bhupesh Baghel turned violent when the name of TS Singh Deo came up in discussions.