Daijiworld Media Network

New Delhi, Sep 12: Ahead of the upcoming Madhya Pradesh legislative assembly elections, slated to be held at the end of this year, Jyotiraditya Scindia’s name is doing rounds as the probable chief ministerial candidate for Congress party.

Sources say the announcement of the MPCC (Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee) chief will be made next month. Kamal Nath, who has represented Chindwara in Madhya Pradesh for 37 consecutive years, says another tough decision is due. "I told Rahul Gandhi that we need to have and announce a chief ministerial face against Shivraj (Chouhan)."

There are three Congress heavyweights, namely Digvijaya Singh, Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia who could take up the state’s top job, if Congress comes to power.

BJP has been ruling in Madhya Pradesh for 14 years, and Congress survey reveals anti-incumbency against chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan with 'large scale frustration' over rural distress. This may help Congress gain upper hand in the elections.

The Congress high command has a tough decision on selecting the party’s face for the state in the upcoming elections. However, the trio has met Sonia Gandhi and emphasized, "The need of the hour is unity". Kamal Nath told a news website, "All three of us will have to make sacrifices and work together putting individual interests aside to focus on ensuring a win. All three of us have told Sonia Gandhi that together."

Kamal Nath has denied rumours that he has met BJP president Amit Shah to explore options if he is not made the MPCC chief. "I am the last one to leave the party," he asserted.

"I have no problem with Jyotiraditya Scindia being made MPCC chief. I would welcome it and work with him and support him," said Kamal Nath.

Jyotiraditya Scindia, who is 46 years old, is a close aide of Rahul Gandhi, and seen as one of the younger leaders that the party must promote. Kamal Nath reveals that the trio plans to work together to combat the BJP.

Digvijaya Singh too has confirmed the trio’s meeting with the Gandhi’s and added he has no ambition to become MPCC chief.

The Gandhi’s may make the decision on MPCC chief soon, to start the campaign. Scindia is from the royal family and the titular Maharaja of Gwalior. There are apprehensions that BJP may play the "Maharaja versus commoner" card to outweigh its opponent. However, Congress sources say that they aren't worried about that as Scindia is a third-term MP and is perceived as hard-working and committed.