After Anandiben’s Resignation, Amit Shah Chosen to Pick Successor
Although RSS considers Shah to be best suited for the job, Venkaiah Naidu has ruled out the BJP chief for CM.
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The Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel submitted her resignation to Governor OP Kohli hours after the BJP Parliamentary Board accepted her offer to quit and authorised party president Amit Shah to pick her successor to lead the party in 2017 polls.
Kohli has asked her to continue until the new chief minister takes charge.
Amit Shah will remain the BJP chief as Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu ruled out his name for the Chief Minister on Wednesday.
Though her departure was anticipated, the first woman chief minister of Gujarat had offered to step down on Monday, ostensibly due to her age, as she is turning 75 soon.
Meanwhile, the political circles are abuzz, speculating about her replacement.
Shah will be travelling to Gujarat on Thursday where he will hold consultations with party leaders and attend the Legislature Party meeting, likely to be held on Friday to elect the new leader.
According to BJP sources, the decision on Anandiben’s successor could be taken within the next two days.
Parrying a query on likely contenders for CM’s post, Dinesh Sharma, BJP party in-charge, said:
The indications are that 60-year-old state BJP chief Vijay Rupani is the top contender for CM’s post. His conciliatory approach won him state presidency and administrative skills got him several key portfolios in the Anandiben cabinet. Given the volatile situation in the state, amid agitations by Patidars and Dalits, these skills may help him get the top job as well.
The party leadership feels that the new leader should be able to reach out to the protesting communities and an amiable Rupani can do that.
Also Read: Fear of Rise in Anti-Dalit Perception Behind Anandiben Quitting
Strong Support from RSS for Shah to Take Over His Homeground
Among Gujarat MLAs, there was increasing support for BJP chief Amit Shah to take over the reins of Modi’s home state. The RSS too echoed these views, and considers Shah to be the best candidate for the job, even though Naidu has put paid to these rumours.
The upcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh has Shah engaged in the politics of the northern state. According to sources, Modi wants his trusted ally to remain where he is assigned and ensure the party’s victory in the UP and Punjab polls.
Source: Times of India
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