Congress stakes claim to form govt in Madhya Pradesh, Kamal Nath writes to governor

Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Kamal Nath wrote to Governor Anandiben Patel late on Tuesday night, staking claim to form the government in the state, a party spokesperson said.

The party claimed it has the support of the independent candidates also.

"The Congress party has emerged as the single largest party with a majority support. All the independents have in addition assured support to the Congress party," the letter said.

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"As the president of 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," Nath said in the letter.

Congress party has emerged the largest party in the state with 114 seats, which is two short of the majority.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won 109 seats. The Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has won two seats.

The Samajwadi Party (SP) has won one seat and Independent candidates have won four.

The BJP gave a close fight to Congress despite a strong anti-incumbency against Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who was looking for a record fourth term.

Sensing victory, the Congress has begun contacting leaders of small parties and also independents for mustering a simple majority, party sources said on Tuesday.