Congress seeks meeting with Governor in MP to stake claim

In a bid to outwit possible BJP moves, the Congress in Madhya Pradesh moved swiftly seeking a meeting with the Governor claiming it has got majority support and should be invited to form the next government.

Madhya Pradesh Congress President Kamal Nath wrote a letter to Governor Anandiben Patel late on Tuesday and sought an early response from her.

In his letter, he has said the Congress party as emerged as the single-largest party with majority support. "All the Independents have in addition assured support to the Congress party," he said.

"As President of the Pradesh Congress Committee I seek an appointment with your excellency late tonight as soon as the results are officially declared along with my senior leaders to apprise you and seek your permission to form the government in the state of Madhya Pradesh. I would be grateful for an early response to this communication."

In the 230-member Assembly, the Congress has won 77 seats and was leading in 37 seats. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 74 seats and was leading in 35 others.

The Bahujan Samaj Party was leading in two seats and the Samajwadi Party won one seat. Independents, most of whom are Congress rebels, have won in three seats and leading in one.

--IANS

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