New Delhi, December 13: As the chief ministerial race escalates tensions among Madhya Pradesh Congress cadres loyal to their respective leaders, Rahul Gandhi tweeted a photo with the top two aspirants - Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia - signalling cohesion within the the party.

While the Congress president attempts to highlight cordial ties between Nath and Scindia, the party is struggling to finalise the name of the Madhya Pradesh CM-designate. Reports Say Names of Ashok Gehlot, Kamal Nath, Bhupesh Baghel Finalised; Suspense to End Soon.

After rounds of hectic meetings in the national capital - involving Rahul and Sonia Gandhi, and MP election in-charge AK Antony - the two CM-aspirants are now headed back top Bhopal where they will attend a Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting.

Scindia, while speaking to reporters outside Rahul Gandhi's residence in Delhi, said, "We are heading back to Bhopal". He further added that the decision would now be taken in the state capital.

Here is the photo Gandhi posted with Nath and Scindia:

Both Scindia and Nath have told the media that they would abide by the decision taken by the Congress high command. "The party will remain united. We are all on same page. I appeal the Congress workers and supporters to maintain peace and calm," Nath said.

Scindia, whose supporters staged demonstrations outside the Congress headquarters and Nath's residence in Bhopal, appealed them to exercise restraint. "We have to abide by the party's decision," he said, however, adding that if given a chance, "I would like to serve (as the CM)".

"It is not a race, it is not about kursi, we are here to serve the people of Madhya Pradesh. I am leaving for Bhopal and you will get to know the decision today," he later posted on social media.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 13, 2018 08:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).