People have given befitting reply to 'corrupt' BJP: Baghel

With the Congress poised to wrest power from the BJP in Chhattisgarh after 15 years, the party's state unit chief Bhupesh Baghel Tuesday said people have given a befitting reply to the ruling party, which indulged in corruption during its 15 year of rule.

He credited strong party organisation for the impressive showing and said he was not expecting such a big margin of victory.

"Congress had been standing with each and every section of the state. Therefore, it has received their immense support in the election," Baghel told PTI.

"BJP has only cheated the people of the state during its three-term rule. It was neck-deep in corruption and 'commissionkhori'. People have given them a befitting reply," he added.

The Congress was leading in 64 seats, well above the magic figure of 46, while the ruling BJP was a distant second at 18 in the 90-member assembly, according to the Election Commission website.

"We were not expecting such a big blessing from the people. We were expecting around 60 seats," Baghel said.

"The result is the outcome of unity of my party leaders and efforts of booth level workers...The party is heading to a historic victory and credit for it goes to AICC president Rahul Gandhi, he added.

Gandhi addressed around 19 public meetings as part of the poll campaign.

The Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee chief, who is seen as one of the contenders for the chief minister's post along with T S Singhdeo, said it was for the high command to decide who would be chief minister.

"The high command will take a decision on this. The responsibility that was given to me, I have fulfilled that," he said.

"We strengthened the Congress organisation at the basic level under Rahul Gandhi's leadership and through that we fought the battle for the common man," Baghel added.

According to him, the Congress raised issues related to farmers, labourers, tribals, students, women and youth. "It fought for the rights of every section of the society," he said.