New Gujarat CM likely today, Nitin Patel leads race

Nitin Patel, considered number two in outgoing Gujarat CM Anandiben Patel’s Cabinet, appears to be emerging as the consensus candidate for chief minister, with state BJP chief Vijay Rupani withdrawing from the race and the candidature of BJP president Amit Shah ruled out.

The Patel factor also seems to have tipped the scales in favour of the 60-year-old Gujarat health minister, who is regarded as “non-controversial” and with a “clean image”. The BJP legislature party is likely to meet on Friday to elect Ms Anandiben Patel’s successor, who will lead the party in the 2017 Assembly polls. Mr Nitin Patel is also considered close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Mr Shah reached Ahmedabad Thursday and held meetings with state leaders, including ministers. The Patel agitation for quotas and the dalit unrest were considered the two main reasons for Ms Patel’s resignation earlier this week.

“Apart from Amit Shah, all party MLAs, office-bearers and observers Nitin Gadkari and Saroj Pandey will be present at the meeting,” said Mr Rupani, after holding a long discussion with Mr Shah.

The incoming CM will also have to deal with the state high court order quashing an ordinance to provide 10 per cent quota for the economically backward among upper castes.