Who will become next CM of Gujarat - Vijay Rupani or Nitinbhai Patel or any new face?

Anandiben Patel on Monday took everyone by surprise when she offered to resign, that too on Facebook, saying it was time for new leadership to take over since she is soon going to turn 75.

According to BJP insiders, there are at least four names doing the rounds for the next Gujarat CM.

This BJP MLA represents Rajkot West constituency of Gujarat. Presently, he is Cabinet minister in Gujarat government and Gujarat State Bharatiya Janata Party President as well. He is a Jain Baniya by caste. 

Rupani is known to be quite close to both PM Narendra Modi and party chief Amit Shah. 

Moreover, he has an excellent rapport with RSS leaders and its top brass.

This BJP MLA represents Mehsana constituency of Gujarat. He is known as the most prominent Patel face in the party. 

Presently, Nitinbhai Patel is Cabinet Minister for Health, Medical Education, Family Welfare, Road and Building, Capital Project in government of Gujarat.

He has an RSS background and has close ties with Sangh leaders.

This BJP MLA represents Vadodara's Akota constituency of Gujarat.

Saurabh Patel holds several important portfolios including energy & petrochemicals, mines & minerals, etc.

He is one of the most educated ministers of Gujarat government. He is an MBA from US.

Interestingly, Saurabh Patel is the husband of the first cousin of Mukesh and Anil Ambani.

This BJP MLA represents Ahmedabad's Dholka constituency of Gujarat.

He is in the council of ministers of Gujarat. Also, he is a cabinet minister of education, food and civil supplies, consumer affairs and science and technology.

Bhupendrasinh is a lawyer by profession.