A day after Gujarat Chief Minister (CM) Vijay Rupani submitted his resignation on Saturday, 11 September, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislative party meeting is underway today in Gandhinagar to choose a new CM face to replace Rupani.
Earlier in the day, Union Ministers Narendra Singh Tomar and Prahlad Joshi had reached the state as the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) central observers, news agency ANI reported.
The leaders have arrived at the party office in Gandhinagar for the legislative party meet. BJP leaders Nitin Patel, Mansukh Mandaviya and CR Patil have also arrived at the party office in Gandhinagar, reports ANI.
Leaders Hold Discussions Ahead of Decision
"We have come here to hold further discussions (over the name of next chief minister of Gujarat). We will hold discussions with the state president and other leaders," Tomar said, according to ANI.
Tomar, along with BJP's National General Secretary Tarun Chugh, has arrived at the residence of the Gujarat BJP President CR Patil for these discussions.
"I will hold consultations with Gujarat leaders, then the central leadership will take a decision," Joshi said on Sunday.
Yamal Vyas, Chief Spokesperson for BJP in the state, said that Tomar, Joshi and Chugh will conduct the meeting to elect the state's new chief minister, reported ANI.
Vijay Rupani Resigns
Rupani resigned from his post on Saturday, saying that he had conveyed his wishes to "work in party organisation under the leadership of prime minister and under the guidance of BJP chief".
On Saturday, a meeting was underway at the party headquarters in Ahmedabad, led by BJP General Secretary BL Santosh. Gujarat Deputy CM Nitin Patil and Union Minister for Health Mansukh Mandaviya – hinted to be the front runners for the post – were also present at the meeting.
"Party observers have come (to Gandhinagar) and party will take decision on the name of new chief minister," added Rupani, after resignation.
The BJP leader had served as chief minister of the state since 7 August 2016.
The assembly elections in Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home, are scheduled to be held early next year.
Who Will Be the Next CM?
Sources told The Quint that three names – CR Patil and Nitin Patel, along with Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya – are being considered for the position.
CR Patil, a member of Parliament, won the Lok Sabha elections in both 2014 and 2019 from Gujarat's Navsari constituency.
Nitin Patel, on the other hand, is the deputy chief minister of the state and holds a number of portfolios, including finance, road and building, health and family welfare, medical education, among others.
On Sunday, speaking to the media, Patel said, "A CM should be someone who is popular, experienced and takes everyone together. There are rumours in the media that I will be made CM, but the fact is that BJP high command will decide who will be the chief minister."
Speaking about Rupani's resignation, Patel added, "Vijay Rupani voluntarily resigned as CM. He didn't take the decision under any pressure. The observers sent by party high command are taking the views of senior BJP leaders on who should be made the CM. The decision will be taken at the meeting today."
Union Minister Mandaviya is a Rajya Sabha member from Gujarat.
(With inputs from ANI.)
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