RAIPUR: Congress is expected to make a formal announcement about its choice for chief minister in Chhattisgarh by Saturday morning as senior leaders concluded their meetings with party president Rahul Gandhi at New Delhi on Friday.State Congress president Bhupesh Baghel, T S Singh Deo, who is the leader of the opposition in the outgoing assembly, Congress working committee (CWC) member Tamradwaj Sahu and former Union minister Dr Charandas Mahant met the party chief in the presence of AICC observer Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress general secretary P L Punia.Leader of the Congress party in the Lok Sabha , Mallikarjun Kharge told reporters in New Delhi after the meetings that a CLP would meet on Saturday in Raipur . All the state leaders are likely to return to the state capital soon to attend the meeting of the newly-elected Congress legislature party (CLP) meeting.In the meeting, the AICC observer would inform Congress president's decision regarding selection of its leader, who will also become the chief minister.After its impressive victory with a majority of more than two-third in the 90-member house, Congress is left with too many "equals" vying to become its chief ministerial candidate. After the meetings in Delhi, Congress circles said the party chief would take a final call and communicate his decision regarding the party choice for chief minister.Baghel, a potential claimant for the top post, tweeted before leaving for Delhi saying "Today is an important day for the state and for all of us. Congress high command had entrusted me with the responsibility of working to secure majority. Now, whatever responsibility is entrusted to me, I will discharge it with dedication".T S Singhdeo is another serious contender for the top post. He is largely credited with coming up with a peoples' manifesto that has caught the imagination of the voters besides the Congress winning all the 14 seats in Surguja and Jashpur region from where he hails. Initially, it was also felt that CWC member Tamradwaj Sahu or former Union minister Charandas Mahant could also considered for a leadership role.Earlier, preparations were underway in the state capital for the oath ceremony of the new government at the science college grounds in the state capital. As the CLP meeting is scheduled for Saturday, indications are that the oath ceremony would be held either on Sunday or Monday.

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