Latest development: Nitin Patel has been announced as Deputy CM. > Vijay Rupani is set to be the next Chief Minister of Gujarat.
Earlier report:
Gujarat's senior Cabinet Minister Nitin Patel is set to take over as Chief Minister in place of Anandiben Patel.
The official announcement of Mr. Patel's appointment will be made after the BJP legislature party meeting at 4 p.m. "He is the final candidate and confirmed as next Chief Minister in place of Anandiben Patel," said a senior leader, adding "he is number 2 in the Cabinet."
"Patel's name was endorsed by the PM," another party leader said. The 60-year-old Nitin Patel has been Minister since 1995 except in 2002-2007 when he lost the Assembly polls after the Gujarat riots. The party narrowed down to his name after the Patidar community and also outgoing Chief Minister Anandiben Patel rallied behind him.
