NEW DELHI: The BJP’s highest decision making body, the parliamentary board, will meet on Wednesday morning to take a call on selecting a new leader to replace Gujarat chief Minister Anandiben Patel.
The parliamentary board meet would take place before the parliament session begins, where Patel’s resignation would be accepted and her successor be decided on.
Sources said there were two front runners for the post, Gujarat minister Nitinbhai Patel, who had earlier worked with Narendra Modi as CM, and state BJP chief Vijay Rupani, considered close to BJP chief Amit Shah.
While, the parliamentary board, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with other members like BJP chief Amit Shah, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, ministers Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, Venkaiah Naidu and Nitin Gadkari would be participate, would meet in Delhi, the BJP has despatched two leaders to Gujarat to formal endorsement of new leader.
BJP in-charge Dinesh Sharma and national joint general secretary (organisation) V Satish, are scheduled to arrive here tomorrow to hold talks with local leaders and take stock of the ground situation in the wake of Anandiben Patel announcing her decision to step down as Chief Minister.
After BJP’s parliamentary board meeting, observers will be sent from Delhi to oversee the meeting of the state BJP Legislative party where the name of the new CM will be announced and formally elected as leader.
Anandiben had resigned as the CM on Monday citing age factor. Elections in the state are due in the later part of 2017.
It will be a busy Wednesday for the government as after deliberations on the Gujarat CM, GST Bill will be taken up for discussion ion Rajya Sabha, where it is likely to be passed.
The Union cabinet will also meet in the evening.