Speculation was rife on Monday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is considering a change of guard in Gujarat ahead of the crucial Assembly polls scheduled for next year. “The decision may be taken after May 19, following the Assembly poll results and also an Assembly by-election in Talala in Gujarat,” party insiders said in Delhi. It is learnt that the party leadership is exploring various options to replace Chief Minister Anandiben Patel, who will be completing two years at the helm on May 22. Nepotism chargeApart from the agitation by the Patidars, allegations of the “growing influence of her children in the government” are also said to have worked against the Chief Minister. Earlier, party president Amit Shah had called a meeting of BJP parliamentarians from Gujarat to discuss the political situation.

Source: The Hindu May 16, 2016 16:03 UTC