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News Desk: In an unexpected turn of events, Vijay Rupani resigned as Gujarat chief minister on Saturday. His decision leaves the BJP with three options – appoint a successor, allow the state to come under President’s Rule, or have an early election.
Vijay Rupani’s statement
“… has been a five-year journey for development of Gujarat… under guidance of PM Modi. Now, to further develop the state, with new energy and power, I have decided to resign as Chief Minister.
It is well known the BJP, as a party, keeps changing as per requirements… it is a speciality of our party that every worker delivers to the fullest, and I too will continue to work for the party with the same energy”
What sources said?
“At this point no decision has been taken on early polls and a new Chief Minister is likely to be the strategy. BL Santosh and Bhupendra Yadav are in Ahmedabad to discuss replacements. Mansukh Mandaviya, and Nitin Patel, who was Mr Rupani’s deputy are possible replacements. Both Mr Mandaviya and Mr Patel have reached the party office in Gandhinagar. Another possibility is Praful Khoda Patel.
Mr Rupani resigned after the party’s central leadership expressed dissatisfaction with his performance. They have called this a “course correction” by a party eager to change things around if it feels unsure in its state leadership, particularly with key elections due next year.
The strategy, it seems, is simple – ‘if there is resentment against state leadership, sort it out now’.
The Gujarat BJP legislature party is likely to meet on Sunday at 3 PM to choose the new chief minister. Union Ministers Prahlad Joshi and Narendra Tomar will come to Ahmedabad as the Central observers. They are expected to reach by 11 AM on Sunday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah may join the legislature party meeting along with central observers. He is on his way to Ahmedabad, and would reach by the night”
