Why Vijay Rupani has resigned from the CM post

Resignation from CM post

• In an unexpected move, Vijay Rupani resigned as Chief Minister of Gujarat today
• However, Rupani did not reveal what prompted him to step down

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vijay Rupani on Saturday tendered his resignation as the Chief Minister of Gujarat ahead of an Assembly election in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state early next year.

Rupani said his resignation is in accordance to the "BJP's tradition" of providing all party workers an equal opportunity.

“I have resigned as chief minister of Gujarat," Rupani said after submitting his resignation letter. “I was given the opportunity to serve the state for five years. I will further do whatever is asked by my party," the BJP leader said, adding that he is committed to the leadership of PM Modi.

He further said, "I believe that the journey of Gujarat's development should go ahead under a new leadership, with new excitement and new energy. Keeping this in mind, I have resigned as Chief Minister Of Gujarat."

On who will be the next Gujarat CM?

Asked about reasons for his resignation, Rupani said, “In BJP, it is like a relay race for party workers. One gives the baton to the other." On who will be the next CM, Rupani said that the party will decide about it.

According to reports, the names of Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, Gujarat BJP chief CR Patil and state vice president Gordhan Zadafia are being considered by the party to succeed Rupani as the CM of Gujarat.