Signals from Gujarat

CMs have limited value in a presidential-style govt

With the fifth chief ministerial change in as many months, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) appears to be moving closer towards its political project of establishing a presidential-style government. The appointment of a relative political novice, Bhupendra Patel, as chief minister of Gujarat 15 months ahead of the Assembly elections suggests that the central party command is keen to have a more adaptable candidate in place when it comes to shaping the campaign. The position of his predecessor Vijay Rupani, only the second chief minister after Mr Modi to complete five years in office, had been weakened after the relatively