![Assembly Elections 2023: Potential Chief Ministerial Candidates in Five States](http://media.assettype.com/sinceindependence%2F2023-12%2F059bd7c5-ba08-4cb4-b33c-be4f6318afdc%2FWhatsApp_Image_2023_12_01_at_6_23_24_PM__1_.jpeg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
Assembly Elections 2023: Recently, the elections in the five states of Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Telangana have concluded. Now, both the public and political parties eagerly await the results on December 3.
During this time, the question on everyone's mind is which party will emerge victorious—whether it be the BJP, Congress, BSP, or MNF.
After the election results are announced in all these states, the focus will shift to who will don the chief minister's hat.
Through this explainer, let's delve into the list of political parties and their potential Chief Minister candidates in each state. Let's find out who might emerge as the leader in these states.
Voting took place on all assembly seats in Rajasthan on November 25. The state witnesses fierce competition between the Congress and BJP.
If the Congress manages to secure its government, there is a likelihood that Ashok Gehlot will retain the position of Chief Minister. Gehlot has previously indicated that he has no intention of stepping down from the CM's post.
However, supporters of Sachin Pilot continue to demand his elevation to the Chief Minister's role.
On the BJP side, Vasundhara Raje's name is once again at the forefront. However, names like Baba Balaknath, Diya Kumari, and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat have also surfaced in the party's race for the CM position.
In Mizoram, voting for all 40 assembly seats took place in a single phase on November 7. The results are set to be announced on December 3. The main contest in Mizoram was between the Mizo National Front (MNF), Congress, and the Zoram People's Movement.
It's important to note that in Mizoram, any party needs a minimum of 21 seats for a clear majority. If the Mizo National Front secures this mandate, the current CM, Zoramthanga, may retain his position.
On the other hand, if the Zoram People's Movement wins, Shri Lalduhoma could take the oath as the new CM.
If the situation in the Trishanku assembly remains uncertain, both parties may consider forming a coalition government with either the BJP or Congress.
Chhattisgarh conducted voting in two phases on November 7 and 17 for its 90 assembly seats. Both the Congress and BJP exerted their full strength in campaigning.
If the Congress comes to power in the state, there is speculation that Bhupesh Baghel could be chosen as the CM. However, looking at the assertiveness of TS Singh Deo, he might also have a chance at the CM position.
On the BJP side, the name at the forefront is three-time CM Raman Singh. However, BJP MP Vijay Baghel is also a contender in this race.
If the BJP opts for a young face, the name of O.P. Choudhary, a close associate of central leadership, comes to the forefront.
Telangana completed assembly elections on November 30, with voting taking place in a single phase for 119 seats. In this election, the leadership of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) was once again under Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao.
However, if the TRS wins the election, KCR might pass the CM responsibility to his son K.T. Rama Rao.
On the other hand, if the Congress secures a victory, Pradesh Congress Committee President Revanth Reddy could be considered for the CM position.
Additionally, if the BJP succeeds in forming the government, the party might contemplate Etela Rajender or Bandi Sanjay for the role.
Madhya Pradesh conducted assembly elections on November 17 for all constituencies. The state is witnessing fierce competition between the Congress and BJP.
If we look at the Congress, Kamal Nath emerges as the strongest contender for the CM post.
On the other hand, the BJP, in contrast to presenting Shivraj Singh Chouhan as the face of the election, opted for collective leadership, fielding several MPs and central ministers in the campaign.
However, Shivraj Singh Chouhan remains the frontrunner in the race for the CM post. If the party decides on a different leader, Kailash Vijayvargiya and Prahlad Singh Patel could be considered for the role.