Raipur, December 16: A day after the marathon meeting with the four contenders – T S Singh Deo, Tamradhwaj Sahu, Bhupesh Baghel and Charan Das Mahant – for the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister post in New Delhi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi is most likely to announce his decision by afternoon. The decision would be taken after the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting in Raipur.

All the contenders have arrived in Raipur, after meeting with the Congress president at his residence in Tughlaq Lane residence in the national capital. Confirming the news of the meeting, Bhupesh Baghel stated that Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and state party in-charge PL Punia are arriving in Raipur on Sunday and the name of the CM would be announced at the CLP meeting. Another shortlisted leader for the CM post – T S Singh Deo – reiterated the same. Chhattisgarh CM Will Be Named Tomorrow, Says Congress.

On Saturday, briefing the press conference, PL Punia had said that Congress is in no hurry and will take the decision after discussions. He had said, “A meeting will be held at 12 pm tomorrow. Then we will inform (Chief Minister candidate for Chhattisgarh). Governor has given us the time of 4:30 pm on December 17 for the oath ceremony. So what's the hurry?"

Though the decision of the Congress is still pending and people are waiting outside their leader’s residence, the cloud over the CM post is most likely to be cleared by Sunday evening or even earlier.

In the recently held elections, Congress ended Dr Raman Singh-led BJP’s 15-year-rule by defeating it. BJP managed to win only 15 seats, while Congress attained 68 seats. BSP-JCC combined clinched seven seats.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 16, 2018 10:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).