New Delhi: After the Saffron party BJP returns to power for the sixth straight time in Gujarat and broke the Congress dreams in Himachal Pradesh, the BJP party is reportedly considering Union Textiles and Information & Broadcasting (I&B) Minister Smriti Irani's name for the post of Gujarat Chief Minister.
As per the report, Smriti Irani is the front runner in the race to the hot seat of CM.
She is having strong leadership qualities and is well-versed in Gujarati and being one of Modi's close ministers, Smriti Irani could be the next CM of Gujarat, said the sources.
However, Smriti Irani has denied the reports saying, "I am definitely not a contender."
The second favorite is Union minister of state for road transport & highways and shipping Mansukh L Mandaviya is the second favourite candidate for CM.
A Patidar from Saurashtra, Mandaviya is counted among leaders who are close to farmers.
Vajubhai Vala, the incumbent governor of Karnataka and former Speaker of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, is the third candidate in contention, the sources said.
A former BJP member, Vala held various portfolios like finance, labour and employment in the Gujarat Cabinet.
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