What does the unexpected resignation of Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani ahead of polls next year mean for the BJP and PM Narendra Modi's home state.
The stunning development leaves three options - appoint a successor and a new cabinet, allow the state to come under President's Rule or have an Assembly election much earlier than scheduled.
Assembly polls are due in December next year.
Reports said that the BJP is likely to appoint a new CM as Rupani was seen as an unpopular CM and his exit is seen as a course correction by the BJP.
Media reports quoting sources said Mansukh Mandaviya, who was just sworn in as the Union Health Minister in July, and Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel have emerged as possible replacements for Rupani.
Some reports stated that Mandaviya, who is a Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat, met Rupani at his residence on Saturday after his resignation.
Must Watch: Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani resigns ahead of 2022 state polls