 "Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, president of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wave to their supporters during a campaign rally. Photo: Reuters")
The Gujarat unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today chose Vijay Rupani as its new president. The leader is an MLA from Rajkot (West) and a Cabinet minister in the state’s government.
While announcing it in an official communique, party spokesperson I K Jadeja stated that Rupani, who replaces R C Faldu of Leuva Patidar community, was unanimously elected as the state party president.
Belonging to Baniya community, Rupani's appointment comes at a time when the party is facing challenges such as Patidar reservation demand.
A cabinet minister with portfolios like transport and labour & employment, Rupani would be required to consolidate the party cadre.
Also, given the party's poor performance in rural areas during the recent local body polls, Rupani's role would also be crucial in maintaining and improving on the party's prospects in the upcoming assembly elections in December 2017.
In the past, Rupani has also held office of party general secretary and was an active member of students wing of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
On her part, Gujarat chief minister Anandiben Patel tweeted, "My heartiest congratulations to Shri @vijayrupanibjp on being unanimously elected President of @BJP_Gujarat."
