RSS considers Amit Shah to be the best option for the post of Gujarat Chief Minister

NEW DELHI: BJP chief Amit Shah has called a meeting of the party's parliamentary board on Wednesday to appoint the new Chief Minister of Gujarat, amid indications that state party chief Vijay Rupani may have emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Anandiben Patel.

Sources said the board will meet at 9 am at 7, Race Course Road, PM Narendra Modi's official residence.

The issue of who gets to helm the BJP stronghold before the 2017 assembly polls remains a two-horse race with Nitin Patel, the senior most minister in the state, being seen as a formidable contender, especially in the context of the party's need to keep Patels on its side.

An influential community which helped the party acquire dominance, Patels have been restive over their demand for quota. A day after Anadiben Patel decided to hang her boots, there has been a growing chorus from Gujarat MLAs and cadres to give the reins of the state to BJP chief Amit Shah.

Significantly, sources said, the RSS also considers Shah to be best suited for the job and suspects that other aspirants may not be able to swing the BJP's dipping fortunes in Modi's home state ahead of assembly elections due in late 2017.

Chances of Shah returning to his home ground look remote because of the coming challenge of UP elections and the need for the party to complement the PM's effort to prolong BJP's political pre-eminence on the national stage.

Sources said Modi wants Shah to continue with his present assignment and ensure victory in the Uttar Pradesh and Punjab elections. Within a short time, Shah has been able to take complete control of the party apparatus and allows the PM to focus on his main job. Besides, Modi needs Shah to carry out instructions he can't trust anyone else with.

There are indications that Rupani, a Jain from Rajkot, may be on the verge of overtaking Patel. A senior member who has handled responsibilities both in the organisation and the government and has been an MP, Rupani is seen as more energetic.

"He is articulate, is known to party workers across the state, besides being familiar with the requirements of the organisation and the government," said senior party insider, explaining why Rupani's prospects are higher.

More crucially, Rupani, who is minister for water resources, labour and employment, is seen as someone who enjoys Shah's confidence: a factor which could tip the scales in his favour.

Sources said Shah is a votary of synergy between the government and the organisation and may feel that the objective will be better achieved by the appointment of someone whom he trusts.

Nitin Patel has been the bridge between agitating Patel leaders and the government though his efforts didn't yield much.