After Anandiben's resignation, no 2 Nitin Patel has now emerged as the frontrunner though others like Vijay Rupani and Purshottam Rupala are also in the fray. Graft charges levelled against Anandiben's daughter Anar Patel by opposition Congress only added to her woes . Anandiben's resignation at this stage will give the new chief minister time of over one year to make his mark before the 2017 elections, scheduled to be held in the end of that year. Nitin Patel, a front runner for the CM's post, when asked about his chances, responded with the stock reply that the central leadership will take the decision and every one will accept it. When the question was put to Rupani, he said whatever responsibilities the party entrusts him, he will shoulder it.

Source: dna August 02, 2016 11:48 UTC