Smriti Irani leading in race to become next Gujarat CM : Sources

      The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has romped home in Gujarat for the sixth record time but the victory has been uneasy after a bruising battle with a resurgent Congress Party under Rahul Gandhi's new avatar.

The issue of development, which was Rahul's main ammo in attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the hustings, is staring at the BJP despite the win.

According to sources, the saffron party could appoint a new Chief Minister despite Vijay Rupani beating his Congress rival Indranil Rajguru in Rajkot West.

The party wants a CM who, if not as popular as Modi, has a strong appeal with the public, can fulfill the promises made to the electorate and turn a disparate-looking BJP into a cohesive force, the sources added.

Textiles and I&B minister Smriti Irani is the front runner in the 'race' to be in the hot seat. With strong leadership qualities, well-versed in Gujarati and being one of Modi's closest ministers, Irani could be the next CM of Gujarat, said the sources.

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.