Bhupendra Patel was announced as the Gujarat Chief Minister after a key party meet. 56 Senior BJP leader Bhupendra Patel known to be a protege of former Chief Minister Anandiben Patel will succeed Vijay Rupani as the Chief Minister of Gujarat.
While he was elected the leader of the legislature party after a meeting, it is believed that the he was the choice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah. Mr Rupani, who was present on the occasion, endorsed the new Chief Minister, saying the party will “successfully contest the polls” under his leadership. Elections in Gujarat are due next year.
Mr Patel, the MLA from Ghatlodia seat, held earlier by Anandiben Patel, appeared a surprise candidate for the post. The new Chief Minister will be sworn-in this afternoon. Ahead of the legislature party meeting, the names of two Union Ministers from Gujarat — Mansukh Mandaviya and Parshottam Rupala the controversial Lakshadweep administrator Praful Khoda Patel, and state agriculture minister RC Faldu were doing the rounds.
News Source : News Today
