Vijay Rupani took oath as the chief minister of Gujarat today along with 19 ministers in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a galaxy of senior BJP leaders. This is the sixth time that the BJP has formed its government in the state. With 99 MLAs, the BJP has a simple majority in the 182-member Assembly, 16 less than its 2012 tally of 115.

In a show strength, several Union ministers and senior leaders of the party were also invited for the ceremony, besides saints and religious leaders of different faiths.

The caste breakup of the ministry shows that the BJP is trying to woo the Patidar community. There are six Patel leaders in the 20-member Gujarat government, six from the OBCs, two Rajputs, three tribal leaders and one from Brahmin, Dalit and Jain community.

Here&#39;s the list of Cabinet ministers who are a part of the Rupani-led government this time:

Nitin Patel: He took oath as the Deputy Chief Minister for a second consecutive time. He retained his Patidar-dominated Mehsana seat, defeating his Congress rival Jivabhai Patel. Patel has been in the BJP for the past 30 years.

Ranchhodbhai Chanabhai Faldu: Former chief of Gujarat unit of the BJP, Faldu took oath as a Cabinet minister today. He is a Member of Legislative assembly from Kalavad constituency and belongs to the Leuva Patel community.

Jayeshbhai Vitthalbhai Radadiya: He won the state polls from Jetpur. Radadiya is the young face of Leuva Patel community and son of BJP leader Vithalbhai Radadiya.

Saurabh Patel: Five-time MLA, Patel won the assembly election from Akota and is an MBA from US.

Bhupendrasinh Chudasama: He is the sitting education minister. Chudasma took oath as a Cabinet minister today.

Ganpat Vasava: He is a senior tribal leader who took oath as Cabinet minister today.

Kaushik Patel: He won the assembly election from BJP president Amit Shah&#39;s Narainpur seat. Patel took oath today as a Cabinet minister. This will be his first stint as a minister in Gujarat.

Dilip Thakor: Gujarat&#39;s Minister for Labour and Employment, Thakor again took oath as a Cabinet minister today. He won the assembly election from Chanasma.

Ishwarbhai Parmar: He is an MLA from Bardoli.

And here are the Ministers of State who joined the Rupani government:

Vibhaben Dave: The only woman to be sworn-in as Gujarat minister. She belongs to the Saurashtra region and is a three-time MLA. He belongs to th Brahmin community.

Babubhai Bokhiria: Also from Saurashtra, he took oath as MoS today.

Pradeepsinh Jadeja: Face of Kshatriya community, Jadeja is among the leaders trusted by both PM Modi and Amit Shah.

Parbatbhai Patel: Big face of Chaudhry-Patel community, the 69-year0old has previous experience as a minister in Gujarat.

Vasanbhai Ahir: He is the face of the BJP in Gujarat&#39;s Kutch region and is expected to play a key role in Gujarat politics.

Kishor Kanani: 55-year-old Kanani has won elections twice in the past. He belongs to Surat.

Purushottam Solanki: He is a famous leader of the Koli community and has vast political experience.

Ishwarsinh Patel: He is very close to BJP chief Amit Shah and face of the Koli Patel community. Patel holds an LLB degree.

Bachchubhia Khabad: The tribal leader has been roped in because of his tight grip on the community.

Jaydrathsinh Parmar: 53-year-old Parmar is a senior leader of the BJP and face of the Kshatriya community.

Ramanlal Patkar: The 65-year-old BJP leader won the election from Umergaon constituency, his fourth consecutive election victory.

This is the sixth time that the BJP has formed its government in Gujarat.

Vijay Rupani took oath as the chief minister of Gujarat today along with 19 ministers in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a galaxy of senior BJP leaders. This is the sixth time that the BJP has formed its government in the state. With 99 MLAs, the BJP has a simple majority in the 182-member Assembly, 16 less than its 2012 tally of 115. In a show strength, several Union ministers and senior leaders of the party were also invited for the ceremony, besides saints and religious leaders of different faiths. The caste breakup of the ministry shows that the BJP is trying to woo the Patidar community. There are six Patel leaders in the 20-member Gujarat government, six from the OBCs, two Rajputs, three tribal leaders and one from Brahmin, Dalit and Jain community. Here's the list of Cabinet ministers who are a part of the Rupani-led government this time: Nitin Patel: He took oath as the Deputy Chief Minister for a second consecutive time. He retained his Patidar-dominated Mehsana seat, defeating his Congress rival Jivabhai Patel. Patel has been in the BJP for the past 30 years. Ranchhodbhai Chanabhai Faldu: Former chief of Gujarat unit of the BJP, Faldu took oath as a Cabinet minister today. He is a Member of Legislative assembly from Kalavad constituency and belongs to the Leuva Patel community. Jayeshbhai Vitthalbhai Radadiya: He won the state polls from Jetpur. Radadiya is the young face of Leuva Patel community and son of BJP leader Vithalbhai Radadiya. Saurabh Patel: Five-time MLA, Patel won the assembly election from Akota and is an MBA from US. Bhupendrasinh Chudasama: He is the sitting education minister. Chudasma took oath as a Cabinet minister today. Ganpat Vasava: He is a senior tribal leader who took oath as Cabinet minister today. Kaushik Patel: He won the assembly election from BJP president Amit Shah's Narainpur seat. Patel took oath today as a Cabinet minister. This will be his first stint as a minister in Gujarat. Dilip Thakor: Gujarat's Minister for Labour and Employment, Thakor again took oath as a Cabinet minister today. He won the assembly election from Chanasma. Ishwarbhai Parmar: He is an MLA from Bardoli. And here are the Ministers of State who joined the Rupani government: Vibhaben Dave: The only woman to be sworn-in as Gujarat minister. She belongs to the Saurashtra region and is a three-time MLA. He belongs to th Brahmin community. Babubhai Bokhiria: Also from Saurashtra, he took oath as MoS today. Pradeepsinh Jadeja: Face of Kshatriya community, Jadeja is among the leaders trusted by both PM Modi and Amit Shah. Parbatbhai Patel: Big face of Chaudhry-Patel community, the 69-year0old has previous experience as a minister in Gujarat. Vasanbhai Ahir: He is the face of the BJP in Gujarat's Kutch region and is expected to play a key role in Gujarat politics. Kishor Kanani: 55-year-old Kanani has won elections twice in the past. He belongs to Surat. Purushottam Solanki: He is a famous leader of the Koli community and has vast political experience. Ishwarsinh Patel: He is very close to BJP chief Amit Shah and face of the Koli Patel community. Patel holds an LLB degree. Bachchubhia Khabad: The tribal leader has been roped in because of his tight grip on the community. Jaydrathsinh Parmar: 53-year-old Parmar is a senior leader of the BJP and face of the Kshatriya community. Ramanlal Patkar: The 65-year-old BJP leader won the election from Umergaon constituency, his fourth consecutive election victory.

Know the Gujarat ministers who took oath along with Vijay Rupani today

Vijay Rupani was sworn in the chief minister of Gujarat on Tuesday morning.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Live from Gujarat: Swearing-in ceremony of CM elect Vijay Rupani in Gandhinagar <a href="https://t.co/iKpAbRb9uV">https://t.co/iKpAbRb9uV</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945530296157462528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Nitin Patel was sworn in as his deputy.&nbsp;

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Gandhinagar: Nitin Patel takes oath as deputy CM for second consecutive term <a href="https://t.co/GUilKtnT4f">pic.twitter.com/GUilKtnT4f</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945536949619589120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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A total of 20 ministers, including Rupani and Patel, will take the oath of office today.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi&nbsp;and BJP President Amit Shah are in attendance.

As is Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.&nbsp;

Other union ministers&nbsp;present include Ravi Shankar Prasad and&nbsp;Nitin Gadkari.&nbsp;

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Gandhinagar: Union Ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad, Nitin Gadkari, Rajnath 
Singh and Ram Vilas Paswan &amp; BJP President Amit Shah at swearing-in ceremony of CM elect Vijay Rupani <a href="https://t.co/x3IwPRrNQs">pic.twitter.com/x3IwPRrNQs</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945530502789808128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Gandhinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives for swearing in ceremony of CM elect Vijay Rupani and others <a href="https://t.co/zmYJwsEuNc">pic.twitter.com/zmYJwsEuNc</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945532227072303104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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A number of BJP chief ministers including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje, and Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh are also attending.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/yogi-adityanath-attends-metro-inauguration-function-pm-modi-praises-him-for-breaking-noida-jinx-27660" target="_blank">Yogi Adityanath attends metro inauguration function, PM Modi praises him for breaking &#39;Noida jinx&#39;</a>

As is Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a> Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje Scindia and Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh at swearing-in ceremony of CM elect Vijay Rupani and others in Gandhinagar <a href="https://t.co/bWv98XjeQp">pic.twitter.com/bWv98XjeQp</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945533103199600641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Bihar CM Nitish Kumar at swearing in ceremony of Gujarat CM and others in Gandhinagar <a href="https://t.co/4s2GAYab8D">pic.twitter.com/4s2GAYab8D</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945532802967072768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The BJP won the recent Gujarat elections after a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-claims-pakistan-trying-to-influence-gujarat-elections-26391" target="_blank">long and bitter</a> campaign.&nbsp;

The BJP won a total of 99 seats in the 182-member house, with the Congress trailing in at 77.&nbsp;

While the win in the end was comfortable, the BJP won 16 fewer seats than it did the last time.&nbsp;

That commentators say could mean that the BJP will have a tougher fight on its hands in the 2019 general elections.&nbsp;

A number of BJP chief ministers also attended, as did Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar

Vijay Rupani was sworn in the chief minister of Gujarat on Tuesday morning. #WATCH Live from Gujarat: Swearing-in ceremony of CM elect Vijay Rupani in Gandhinagar https://t.co/iKpAbRb9uV — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2017 × Nitin Patel was sworn in as his deputy. Gandhinagar: Nitin Patel takes oath as deputy CM for second consecutive term pic.twitter.com/GUilKtnT4f — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2017 × A total of 20 ministers, including Rupani and Patel, will take the oath of office today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah are in attendance. As is Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Other union ministers present include Ravi Shankar Prasad and Nitin Gadkari. Gandhinagar: Union Ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad, Nitin Gadkari, Rajnath Singh and Ram Vilas Paswan & BJP President Amit Shah at swearing-in ceremony of CM elect Vijay Rupani pic.twitter.com/x3IwPRrNQs — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2017 × Gandhinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives for swearing in ceremony of CM elect Vijay Rupani and others pic.twitter.com/zmYJwsEuNc — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2017 × A number of BJP chief ministers including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje, and Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh are also attending. Also read: Yogi Adityanath attends metro inauguration function, PM Modi praises him for breaking 'Noida jinx' As is Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. #Gujarat Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje Scindia and Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh at swearing-in ceremony of CM elect Vijay Rupani and others in Gandhinagar pic.twitter.com/bWv98XjeQp — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2017 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Bihar CM Nitish Kumar at swearing in ceremony of Gujarat CM and others in Gandhinagar pic.twitter.com/4s2GAYab8D — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2017 × The BJP won the recent Gujarat elections after a long and bitter campaign. The BJP won a total of 99 seats in the 182-member house, with the Congress trailing in at 77. While the win in the end was comfortable, the BJP won 16 fewer seats than it did the last time. That commentators say could mean that the BJP will have a tougher fight on its hands in the 2019 general elections.

Rupani sworn in as Gujarat chief minister; Modi, Shah in attendance

The new BJP government led by Vijay Rupani and his deputy Nitin Patel will be sworn in in Gandhinagar today.

The swearing in is expected to start at 11 am.

Rupani and Patel <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-rupani-nitin-patel-swearing-in-ceremony-to-take-place-on-december-26-27547">will take their oaths&nbsp;</a>as chief minister and deputy chief minister for the second consecutive term after having been elected on Friday.

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BJP National President Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a>&#39;s rousing welcome at Ahmedabad airport on his first visit to Gujarat after election victory. <a href="https://t.co/mLli9Ndh51">pic.twitter.com/mLli9Ndh51</a>
&mdash; BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/945294740605493249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The ceremony will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party chief Amit Shah among other union ministers and senior leaders.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to crowd gathered on his way from the airport in Ahmedabad <a href="https://t.co/uXJ3u0UBhP">pic.twitter.com/uXJ3u0UBhP</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945515329815420934?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a>&#39;s Ahmedabad, to attend swearing-in ceremony of CM elect Vijay Rupani and others <a href="https://t.co/nCuypAS5I6">pic.twitter.com/nCuypAS5I6</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945513246869528576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Apart from Rupani and Patel, six to nine cabinet and around 15 ministers of state are also expected to be sworn in, party sources said.

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To be able to work for the welfare of the people and contribute in all-round development of the state is a reward of the life time. Humbled &amp; honoured indeed. <a href="https://t.co/KZWdj1hMh0">pic.twitter.com/KZWdj1hMh0</a>
&mdash; Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/vijayrupanibjp/status/944178381058273280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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My sincere gratitude to Honourable PM Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> Ji &amp; BJP President Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> Ji for reposing trust &amp; confidence in a humble Karyakarta like me. I also thank <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Gujarat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4Gujarat</a> legislative party for sustaining trust.
&mdash; Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/vijayrupanibjp/status/944181912721014784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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News reports said Rupani plans to keep the number of ministers in his cabinet to below 20, against the maximum provision of 27.

The newly-elected leader said the party would consider&nbsp;a mixture of factors such as experience, caste, and region while selecting its ministers.

The BJP won the election to the 182-member Gujarat Assembly&nbsp;with a clear majority of 99 seats.

The Congress Party trailed in second with 77 seats, followed by the Bharatiya Tribal Party (two), and NCP (one), while three seats were won by independent candidates.

Rupani secured a comfortable win by a margin of 1,31,586 votes from the Rajkot West seat.&nbsp;

(With agency inputs)&nbsp;

Apart from Rupani and Nitin Patel as deputy chief minister, six to nine cabinet and around 15 ministers of state are also expected to be sworn in

The new BJP government led by Vijay Rupani and his deputy Nitin Patel will be sworn in in Gandhinagar today. The swearing in is expected to start at 11 am. Rupani and Patel will take their oaths as chief minister and deputy chief minister for the second consecutive term after having been elected on Friday. BJP National President Shri @AmitShah's rousing welcome at Ahmedabad airport on his first visit to Gujarat after election victory. pic.twitter.com/mLli9Ndh51 — BJP (@BJP4India) December 25, 2017 × The ceremony will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party chief Amit Shah among other union ministers and senior leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to crowd gathered on his way from the airport in Ahmedabad pic.twitter.com/uXJ3u0UBhP — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2017 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches #Gujarat's Ahmedabad, to attend swearing-in ceremony of CM elect Vijay Rupani and others pic.twitter.com/nCuypAS5I6 — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2017 × Apart from Rupani and Patel, six to nine cabinet and around 15 ministers of state are also expected to be sworn in, party sources said. To be able to work for the welfare of the people and contribute in all-round development of the state is a reward of the life time. Humbled & honoured indeed. pic.twitter.com/KZWdj1hMh0 — Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) December 22, 2017 × My sincere gratitude to Honourable PM Shri @narendramodi Ji & BJP President Shri @AmitShah Ji for reposing trust & confidence in a humble Karyakarta like me. I also thank @BJP4Gujarat legislative party for sustaining trust. — Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) December 22, 2017 × News reports said Rupani plans to keep the number of ministers in his cabinet to below 20, against the maximum provision of 27. The newly-elected leader said the party would consider a mixture of factors such as experience, caste, and region while selecting its ministers. The BJP won the election to the 182-member Gujarat Assembly with a clear majority of 99 seats. The Congress Party trailed in second with 77 seats, followed by the Bharatiya Tribal Party (two), and NCP (one), while three seats were won by independent candidates. Rupani secured a comfortable win by a margin of 1,31,586 votes from the Rajkot West seat. (With agency inputs)

Rupani to be sworn in as Gujarat CM today, PM Modi, Amit Shah to attend

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-blistering-attack-mea-says-pakistan-heckled-kulbhushan-jadhavs-family-27755">In a blistering attack, MEA says Pakistan heckled Kulbhushan Jadhav&#39;s family</a>

The statement gave a detailed account of incidents that violated the terms mutually agreed upon by both the countries with respect to Jadhav&#39;s meeting with his family.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rupani-sworn-in-as-gujarat-chief-minister-modi-shah-in-attendance-27723">Vijay Rupani </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rupani-sworn-in-as-gujarat-chief-minister-modi-shah-in-attendance-27723">sworn</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rupani-sworn-in-as-gujarat-chief-minister-modi-shah-in-attendance-27723"> in as Gujarat chief minister; Modi, Shah in attendance</a>

Vijay Rupani was sworn in as the chief minister of Gujarat on Tuesday morning. A total of 20 ministers, including Rupani and Patel, took an oath of office today.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/newly-elected-gujarat-cabinet-to-hold-first-meeting-tomorrow-27747">Newly-elected Gujarat cabinet to hold first meeting tomorrow</a>

The meeting is scheduled for 10 am in Gandhinagar.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-tops-34000-for-first-time-nifty-hits-record-high-27710">Sensex tops 34,000 for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-tops-34000-for-first-time-nifty-hits-record-high-27710">first</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-tops-34000-for-first-time-nifty-hits-record-high-27710"> time, Nifty hits record high</a>

Sensex and Nifty rose in early trade to scale new highs on Tuesday morning.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/suspected-us-drone-kills-militants-on-pakistan-afghan-border-27771">Suspected US drone kills militants on Pakistan-Afghan border</a>

It was not immediately clear whether the missile struck on the Afghan or Pakistani side or the border.

In a blistering attack, MEA says Pakistan heckled Kulbhushan Jadhav's family The statement gave a detailed account of incidents that violated the terms mutually agreed upon by both the countries with respect to Jadhav's meeting with his family. Vijay Rupani sworn in as Gujarat chief minister; Modi, Shah in attendance Vijay Rupani was sworn in as the chief minister of Gujarat on Tuesday morning. A total of 20 ministers, including Rupani and Patel, took an oath of office today. Newly-elected Gujarat cabinet to hold first meeting tomorrow The meeting is scheduled for 10 am in Gandhinagar. Sensex tops 34,000 for first time, Nifty hits record high Sensex and Nifty rose in early trade to scale new highs on Tuesday morning. Suspected US drone kills militants on Pakistan-Afghan border It was not immediately clear whether the missile struck on the Afghan or Pakistani side or the border.

WION Evening News Brief, December 26, 2017

The swearing-in ceremony of the new BJP government in Gujarat will take place on December 26 at Gandhinagar&#39;s Sachivalaya Ground.

Vijay Rupani will take oath as the chief minister for the new BJP term in the state, while Nitin Patel will take over as Deputy Chief Minister.&nbsp;

The event is scheduled for 11 am on&nbsp;December 26.

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Swearing in ceremony to take place at Gandhinagar Sachivalaya Ground on 26th December, 11 AM; Vijay Rupani set to become CM and Nitin Patel Deputy CM <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a> (File pic) <a href="https://t.co/vBxEauvRty">pic.twitter.com/vBxEauvRty</a>
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During the election campaign, BJP president Amit Shah had announced that the party was fighting Gujarat elections under Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and his deputy Nitin Patel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was, however, the face of the party in the elections.

The BJP though managed to take charge of the state for the sixth consecutive term. The party,&nbsp;however, is mulling a course correction as it held a narrow margin victory against Congress.

BJP won 99 seats in the 182-member Assembly while the Congress and its allies won 80.

BJP secured seven seats more than the 92 needed for forming a government in the state.&nbsp;

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Vijay Rupani will take oath as the chief minister for the new BJP term in the state, while Nitin Patel will take over as deputy chief minister

The swearing-in ceremony of the new BJP government in Gujarat will take place on December 26 at Gandhinagar's Sachivalaya Ground. Vijay Rupani will take oath as the chief minister for the new BJP term in the state, while Nitin Patel will take over as Deputy Chief Minister. The event is scheduled for 11 am on December 26. Swearing in ceremony to take place at Gandhinagar Sachivalaya Ground on 26th December, 11 AM; Vijay Rupani set to become CM and Nitin Patel Deputy CM #Gujarat (File pic) pic.twitter.com/vBxEauvRty — ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2017 × During the election campaign, BJP president Amit Shah had announced that the party was fighting Gujarat elections under Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and his deputy Nitin Patel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was, however, the face of the party in the elections. The BJP though managed to take charge of the state for the sixth consecutive term. The party, however, is mulling a course correction as it held a narrow margin victory against Congress. BJP won 99 seats in the 182-member Assembly while the Congress and its allies won 80. BJP secured seven seats more than the 92 needed for forming a government in the state.

Vijay Rupani to be sworn-in as chief minister on December 26

Vijay Rupani will continue as Chief Minister of Gujarat, Nitin Patel his deputy, the BJP announced on Friday.

The announcement was made at a meeting conducted by elected BJP candidates under the steer of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who made the announcement.

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Vijay Rupani to be the Legislature party leader: Arun Jaitley <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a> <a href="https://t.co/le3874RrVj">pic.twitter.com/le3874RrVj</a>
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Nitin Bhai Patel to be the deputy Legislature party leader <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a> <a href="https://t.co/RAIOKmNvbR">pic.twitter.com/RAIOKmNvbR</a>
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&quot;People have given us mandate for 27 years. It is a huge victory that public has shown faith in us all these years,&quot;&nbsp;Vijay Rupani said at a&nbsp;press conference in Gandhinagar soon after the announcement.

Vijay Rupani was today elected the leader of the BJP legislature party in Gujarat, said Arun Jaitley, the central observer appointed by the BJP leadership for the election. 
 
Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel will continue to be the second in command, after he was declared the deputy leader of the legislature party by Arun Jaitley.

&quot;Vijay Rupani was chosen as Legislature party leader unanimously, Nitin Bhai Patel as the deputy Legislature party leader in a meeting today. Will inform you all about the swearing-in soon,&quot; Arun Jaitley said at a press conference in Gandhinagar.

Arun Jaitley explained how the election process had been conducted. 
 
&quot;The process of electing is that we set process into motion as Central Observers, call upon elected MLAs to propose a name. Bhupendra Singh proposed these two names for the leader and deputy leader, it was supported by five other MLAs who came to the dais and supported them,&quot; Arun Jaitley said.

&quot;This was then put to the house which they unanimously accepted. I also asked the members if anybody had any alternative proposal, and since there was none, the two were declared as unanimously elected.&quot;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-will-be-the-next-gujarat-chief-minister-here-are-the-top-contenders-27197">Speculation was rife </a>whether Vijay Rupani would continue as chief minister after the BJP scraped through the Gujarat assembly elections, winning 99 seats in the 182-member assembly and only seven more than needed for a majority. The Congress had won 80 seats. &nbsp; 
 
Rupani&#39;s proximity to the top party leadership, his clean and caste-neutral image apparently tilted the scales in his favour.

(With inputs from agencies)

The announcement was made at a meeting conducted by elected BJP candidates under the steer of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who made the announcement.

Vijay Rupani will continue as Chief Minister of Gujarat, Nitin Patel his deputy, the BJP announced on Friday. The announcement was made at a meeting conducted by elected BJP candidates under the steer of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who made the announcement. Vijay Rupani to be the Legislature party leader: Arun Jaitley #Gujarat pic.twitter.com/le3874RrVj — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2017 × Nitin Bhai Patel to be the deputy Legislature party leader #Gujarat pic.twitter.com/RAIOKmNvbR — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2017 × "People have given us mandate for 27 years. It is a huge victory that public has shown faith in us all these years," Vijay Rupani said at a press conference in Gandhinagar soon after the announcement. Vijay Rupani was today elected the leader of the BJP legislature party in Gujarat, said Arun Jaitley, the central observer appointed by the BJP leadership for the election. Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel will continue to be the second in command, after he was declared the deputy leader of the legislature party by Arun Jaitley. "Vijay Rupani was chosen as Legislature party leader unanimously, Nitin Bhai Patel as the deputy Legislature party leader in a meeting today. Will inform you all about the swearing-in soon," Arun Jaitley said at a press conference in Gandhinagar. Arun Jaitley explained how the election process had been conducted. "The process of electing is that we set process into motion as Central Observers, call upon elected MLAs to propose a name. Bhupendra Singh proposed these two names for the leader and deputy leader, it was supported by five other MLAs who came to the dais and supported them," Arun Jaitley said. "This was then put to the house which they unanimously accepted. I also asked the members if anybody had any alternative proposal, and since there was none, the two were declared as unanimously elected." Speculation was rife whether Vijay Rupani would continue as chief minister after the BJP scraped through the Gujarat assembly elections, winning 99 seats in the 182-member assembly and only seven more than needed for a majority. The Congress had won 80 seats. Rupani's proximity to the top party leadership, his clean and caste-neutral image apparently tilted the scales in his favour. (With inputs from agencies)

Vijay Rupani to continue as Gujarat chief minister, Nitin Bhai Patel his deputy: BJP

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-rupani-to-continue-as-gujarat-chief-minister-nitin-bhai-patel-his-deputy-bjp-27467" target="_blank">Vijay Rupani to continue as Gujarat chief minister, Nitin Bhai Patel his deputy: BJP</a>

Vijay Rupani will continue as Chief Minister of Gujarat, Nitin Patel his deputy, the BJP announced on Friday. The announcement was made at a meeting conducted by elected BJP candidates under the steer of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who made the announcement.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sachin-tendulkar-releases-video-takes-his-disrupted-rajya-sabha-speech-online-27462" target="_blank">Sachin Tendulkar releases video; takes his disrupted Rajya Sabha speech online</a>

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was supposed to initiate a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sachin-tendulkars-unable-to-lead-debate-as-rajya-sabha-gets-adjourned-27360">debate&nbsp;</a>in&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sachin-tendulkars-unable-to-lead-debate-as-rajya-sabha-gets-adjourned-27360">Rajya Sabha yesterday</a>. His speech was disrupted as the Upper House of Parliament was adjourned due to Congress leaders&#39; sloganeering over PM Modi&#39;s remark on former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/adarsh-scam-bombay-high-court-rejects-governors-sanction-to-prosecute-ashok-chavan-27435" target="_blank">Adarsh scam: Bombay High Court rejects Governor&#39;s sanction to prosecute Ashok Chavan</a>

The Bombay High Court on Friday set aside Governor&#39;s sanction to prosecute senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan in the Adarsh scam.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/lashkar-e-taiba-creates-special-security-team-to-protect-hafiz-saeed-27474" target="_blank">Lashkar-e-Taiba forms &#39;special security team&#39; to protect Hafiz Saeed</a>

Lashkar-e-Taiba is reported to have created a &quot;special security team&quot;&nbsp;to provide security cover to global terrorist and Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) Chief Hafiz Saeed. Saeed&#39;s LeT&nbsp;security agents would also be armed with&nbsp;ammunition.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-president-calls-us-dishonest-mediator-says-will-not-accept-us-peace-plan-27464" target="_blank">Palestinian President calls US dishonest mediator, says will not accept US peace plan</a>

Mahmud Abbas, the president of Palestine has said that his country will not accept any peace proposal by the United States.&nbsp; He said, &quot;&nbsp;The United States has proven to be a dishonest mediator in the peace process and we will no longer accept any plan from the United States.&quot;

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Here are the top developments this evening

Vijay Rupani to continue as Gujarat chief minister, Nitin Bhai Patel his deputy: BJP Vijay Rupani will continue as Chief Minister of Gujarat, Nitin Patel his deputy, the BJP announced on Friday. The announcement was made at a meeting conducted by elected BJP candidates under the steer of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who made the announcement. Sachin Tendulkar releases video; takes his disrupted Rajya Sabha speech online Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was supposed to initiate a debate in Rajya Sabha yesterday. His speech was disrupted as the Upper House of Parliament was adjourned due to Congress leaders' sloganeering over PM Modi's remark on former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Adarsh scam: Bombay High Court rejects Governor's sanction to prosecute Ashok Chavan The Bombay High Court on Friday set aside Governor's sanction to prosecute senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan in the Adarsh scam. Lashkar-e-Taiba forms 'special security team' to protect Hafiz Saeed Lashkar-e-Taiba is reported to have created a "special security team" to provide security cover to global terrorist and Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) Chief Hafiz Saeed. Saeed's LeT security agents would also be armed with ammunition. Palestinian President calls US dishonest mediator, says will not accept US peace plan Mahmud Abbas, the president of Palestine has said that his country will not accept any peace proposal by the United States. He said, " The United States has proven to be a dishonest mediator in the peace process and we will no longer accept any plan from the United States."

WION evening news brief, December 22, 2017

Newly elected BJP MLAs of Gujarat will meet in Gandhinagar tomorrow to choose the next chief minister, a top party official said today.

The BJP legislature party will meet to elect its leader in the presence of central observers for the exercise, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and party general secretary Saroj Pandey, the party&#39;s state chief Jitu Vaghani told reporters here.

State BJP incharge Bhupender Yadav and co-incharge V Satish would also attend the meeting at party headquarters &#39;Kamalam&#39; tomorrow afternoon.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-will-be-the-next-gujarat-chief-minister-here-are-the-top-contenders-27197" target="_blank">Who will be the next Gujarat Chief Minister? Here are the top contenders</a>

&quot;All the MLAs along with party observers and in-charge leaders would meet tomorrow to select the leader of the ruling party (chief minister). All the MLAs have been intimated to remain present in tomorrow&#39;s meeting,&quot; Vaghani said.

Earlier today, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and members of his council of ministers resigned. Rupani, a front-runner for the chief minister&#39;s post, has been asked to continue as caretaker chief minister till a new government is sworn in.

Governor O P Kohli had dissolved the Assembly yesterday following the declaration of election results.

In the recently concluded polls, BJP retained power by winning 99 seats in the 182-member Assembly, while the Congress bagged 77. Six seats were won by others.&nbsp;

Earlier today, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and members of his council of ministers resigned

Newly elected BJP MLAs of Gujarat will meet in Gandhinagar tomorrow to choose the next chief minister, a top party official said today. The BJP legislature party will meet to elect its leader in the presence of central observers for the exercise, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and party general secretary Saroj Pandey, the party's state chief Jitu Vaghani told reporters here. State BJP incharge Bhupender Yadav and co-incharge V Satish would also attend the meeting at party headquarters 'Kamalam' tomorrow afternoon. Who will be the next Gujarat Chief Minister? Here are the top contenders "All the MLAs along with party observers and in-charge leaders would meet tomorrow to select the leader of the ruling party (chief minister). All the MLAs have been intimated to remain present in tomorrow's meeting," Vaghani said. Earlier today, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and members of his council of ministers resigned. Rupani, a front-runner for the chief minister's post, has been asked to continue as caretaker chief minister till a new government is sworn in. Governor O P Kohli had dissolved the Assembly yesterday following the declaration of election results. In the recently concluded polls, BJP retained power by winning 99 seats in the 182-member Assembly, while the Congress bagged 77. Six seats were won by others.

BJP MLAs to meet Friday to choose next Gujarat CM

The new BJP government in Gujarat is likely to be sworn in on December 25, party sources said amid speculation that a new leader could be chosen to helm the state where it secured a narrow victory in the assembly polls.

December 25 has been chosen for the swearing-in as it is the birthday of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, sources said.

BJP president Amit Shah had announced during the campaign that the party was fighting Gujarat elections under Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and his deputy Nitin Patel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was, however, the face of the party in the keenly contested elections.

The BJP managed to retain power for a record sixth time in Gujarat, but is mulling a course correction after losing several seats to Congress.

The party leadership is reportedly considering a new face to replace the incumbent Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, despite his victory from the Rajkot West seat.

Modi and the central parliamentary board of the party will take the final call, sources said.

Asked who will be the next chief minister, Rupani told reporters, &quot;The BJP fought this election in Gujarat with my face. But the final decision will be taken by the party&#39;s parliamentary board.&quot;

BJP won 99 seats in the 182-member Assembly, securing seven seats more than the 92 needed for a simple majority, while the Congress and its allies won 80.

On Tuesday, Gujarat chief secretary J N Singh inspected the Sardar Patel stadium in Ahmedabad, the likely venue of the ceremony. &quot;We have come here to inspect the stadium as the oath-taking ceremony is likely to be held here,&quot; Singh told reporters.

He, however, said the team will also inspect other venues like Mahatma Mandir and Sabarmati Riverfront, which has been the showpiece of the BJP&#39;s development politics. Modi had personally escorted Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, besides Japanese premier Shinzo Abe and his spouse to the Sabarmati Riverfront.

Sources in the BJP said Modi, party chief Amit Shah as also chief ministers of BJP-ruled states are likely to attend the swearing-in ceremony.

&quot;After the election victory, there is a process. Observers will come from Delhi and preside over the meeting of newly elected MLAs to decide on the chief minister. After the meeting, the newly elected chief minister will stake claim to form government and the oath-taking ceremony will be held,&quot; state BJP spokesperson Jagdish Bhavsar said.

On Monday, the BJP had announced that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and party general secretary Saroj Pandey will be the observers for the selection of the new Gujarat chief minister.

Observers are likely to visit Gujarat after December 21 to elect the new leader, party sources said.

BJP president Amit Shah had announced during the campaign that the party was fighting Gujarat elections under Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and his deputy Nitin Patel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was, however, the face of the party in the keenly contested elections.

The new BJP government in Gujarat is likely to be sworn in on December 25, party sources said amid speculation that a new leader could be chosen to helm the state where it secured a narrow victory in the assembly polls. December 25 has been chosen for the swearing-in as it is the birthday of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, sources said. BJP president Amit Shah had announced during the campaign that the party was fighting Gujarat elections under Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and his deputy Nitin Patel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was, however, the face of the party in the keenly contested elections. The BJP managed to retain power for a record sixth time in Gujarat, but is mulling a course correction after losing several seats to Congress. The party leadership is reportedly considering a new face to replace the incumbent Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, despite his victory from the Rajkot West seat. Modi and the central parliamentary board of the party will take the final call, sources said. Asked who will be the next chief minister, Rupani told reporters, "The BJP fought this election in Gujarat with my face. But the final decision will be taken by the party's parliamentary board." BJP won 99 seats in the 182-member Assembly, securing seven seats more than the 92 needed for a simple majority, while the Congress and its allies won 80. On Tuesday, Gujarat chief secretary J N Singh inspected the Sardar Patel stadium in Ahmedabad, the likely venue of the ceremony. "We have come here to inspect the stadium as the oath-taking ceremony is likely to be held here," Singh told reporters. He, however, said the team will also inspect other venues like Mahatma Mandir and Sabarmati Riverfront, which has been the showpiece of the BJP's development politics. Modi had personally escorted Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, besides Japanese premier Shinzo Abe and his spouse to the Sabarmati Riverfront. Sources in the BJP said Modi, party chief Amit Shah as also chief ministers of BJP-ruled states are likely to attend the swearing-in ceremony. "After the election victory, there is a process. Observers will come from Delhi and preside over the meeting of newly elected MLAs to decide on the chief minister. After the meeting, the newly elected chief minister will stake claim to form government and the oath-taking ceremony will be held," state BJP spokesperson Jagdish Bhavsar said. On Monday, the BJP had announced that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and party general secretary Saroj Pandey will be the observers for the selection of the new Gujarat chief minister. Observers are likely to visit Gujarat after December 21 to elect the new leader, party sources said.

New BJP government in Gujarat likely to take oath on December 25

The BJP, which managed to retain Gujarat for a record sixth time after a keenly contested assembly elections, is reportedly mulling a course correction as it also lost several seats to its arch-rival Congress.

According to media reports, the central leadership of the party is reportedly considering to replace the incumbent Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, despite his victory from the Rajkot West seat, with Union Textiles and Information &amp; Broadcasting (I&amp;B) Minister Smriti Irani.

The BJP insiders have given an indication that after the loss of 16 seats in Gujarat, the BJP top brass is now keen on appointing someone who has a strong public appeal and can deliver promises made to the electorate as the next chief minister.

Irani, who has herself denied being a contender for the CM&#39;s post, is being considered due to her strong leadership qualities, good command over Gujarati and English and the proximity to the BJP central leadership. &nbsp;

&quot;I am definitely not a contender,&quot; Irani had told a TV news channel when asked to comment that her name was being considered for the coveted job.

&quot;If there is a &#39;gali&#39; ka election, you will hear my name. I am one of those fortunate ones who just make a name without making an attempt, whatsoever. I think that is just wishful thinking on someone&rsquo;s behalf. I think the party president has spoken on it, the parliamentary board decides it. I am definitely not in contention,&rdquo; she said.

&#39;&#39;Gujarat has been a stronghold for BJP - a party which has not lost power here in 22 years. Congress did manage to fare better than what many expected,&#39;&#39; Irani had said adding that not much should be looked at Congress&#39; performance.

&quot;Jo jeeta wohi sikandar. Congress can look for wins in their defeat - it is a democratic right. We fought these elections on issues of development while Congress tried to divide people. It is triumph of development and I would like to congratulate every single party worker and the leadership, &quot; Irani had told Zee News.

Besides Irani, Union Minister of State for Road Transport &amp; Highways and Shipping Mansukh L Mandaviya is the second favourite candidate for the CM&#39;s chair.

A Patidar from Saurashtra, Mandaviya is counted among leaders who are close to farmers.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Vajubhai Vala, the incumbent governor of Karnataka and former Speaker of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, is also among the frontrunners for the top job, according to sources.

A former BJP member, Vala held various portfolios like finance, labour and employment in the Gujarat Cabinet.

However, the BJP top brass is tight-lipped over the issue, triggering intense speculations that the party is considering a change of guard in the western state.

After the election results were out on Monday, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had hinted there won&rsquo;t be any change in leadership.

When asked who the next Chief Minister of Gujarat will be or whether the party high command was thinking of replacing Rupani, Jaitley said, &rdquo;I think a person who gets you 49% votes is a popular CM of a popular government and a leader.&rdquo;

He also categorically said that the BJP defied anti-incumbency, and in three of the four rural areas of Gujarat, the party did reasonably well.

The BJP did manage to win Gujarat for the record sixth time but the victory hasn&#39;t been easy after a bruising battle with a resurgent Congress under Rahul Gandhi&#39;s new avatar.

The issue of development, which was Rahul&#39;s main ammo in attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the hustings, is now staring at the BJP despite its win.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

16 less than its 2012 tally of 115 seats, BJP could win just 99 seats this time, while Congress won 77.

<a href="http://zeenews.india.com/gujarati/gujarat/now-discussion-on-who-will-be-the-next-cm-of-gujarat-996">Read this story in Gujarati</a>

&nbsp;

The BJP insiders have given an indication that after the loss of 16 seats in Gujarat, the BJP top brass is now keen on appointing someone who has a strong public appeal and can deliver promises made to the electorate as the next chief minister.

The BJP, which managed to retain Gujarat for a record sixth time after a keenly contested assembly elections, is reportedly mulling a course correction as it also lost several seats to its arch-rival Congress. According to media reports, the central leadership of the party is reportedly considering to replace the incumbent Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, despite his victory from the Rajkot West seat, with Union Textiles and Information & Broadcasting (I&B) Minister Smriti Irani. The BJP insiders have given an indication that after the loss of 16 seats in Gujarat, the BJP top brass is now keen on appointing someone who has a strong public appeal and can deliver promises made to the electorate as the next chief minister. Irani, who has herself denied being a contender for the CM's post, is being considered due to her strong leadership qualities, good command over Gujarati and English and the proximity to the BJP central leadership. "I am definitely not a contender," Irani had told a TV news channel when asked to comment that her name was being considered for the coveted job. "If there is a 'gali' ka election, you will hear my name. I am one of those fortunate ones who just make a name without making an attempt, whatsoever. I think that is just wishful thinking on someone’s behalf. I think the party president has spoken on it, the parliamentary board decides it. I am definitely not in contention,” she said. ''Gujarat has been a stronghold for BJP - a party which has not lost power here in 22 years. Congress did manage to fare better than what many expected,'' Irani had said adding that not much should be looked at Congress' performance. "Jo jeeta wohi sikandar. Congress can look for wins in their defeat - it is a democratic right. We fought these elections on issues of development while Congress tried to divide people. It is triumph of development and I would like to congratulate every single party worker and the leadership, " Irani had told Zee News. Besides Irani, Union Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping Mansukh L Mandaviya is the second favourite candidate for the CM's chair. 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 also among the frontrunners for the top job, according to sources. A former BJP member, Vala held various portfolios like finance, labour and employment in the Gujarat Cabinet. However, the BJP top brass is tight-lipped over the issue, triggering intense speculations that the party is considering a change of guard in the western state. After the election results were out on Monday, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had hinted there won’t be any change in leadership. When asked who the next Chief Minister of Gujarat will be or whether the party high command was thinking of replacing Rupani, Jaitley said, ”I think a person who gets you 49% votes is a popular CM of a popular government and a leader.” He also categorically said that the BJP defied anti-incumbency, and in three of the four rural areas of Gujarat, the party did reasonably well. The BJP did manage to win Gujarat for the record sixth time but the victory hasn't been easy after a bruising battle with a resurgent Congress 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 now staring at the BJP despite its win. 16 less than its 2012 tally of 115 seats, BJP could win just 99 seats this time, while Congress won 77. Read this story in Gujarati

Who will be the next Gujarat Chief Minister? Here are the top contenders

BJP is all set to form its government in both the states as they won with a full majority in both Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh.

Minister of health and family welfare, JP Nadda said that finance minister Arun Jaitley and party secretary Saroj Pandey will go to Gujarat to discuss the leadership in the state.

Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman and rural development minister Narendra Tomar will be going to Himachal Pradesh to discuss&nbsp;the leadership in Himachal Pradesh.

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FM Arun Jaitley and General Secy of the party Saroj Pandey will go as observers to Gujarat &amp; discuss about the leadership in the state. Similarly Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Narendra Tomar will go to Himachal Pradesh to discuss about the leadership there: JP Nadda <a href="https://t.co/nSWF2znl5m">pic.twitter.com/nSWF2znl5m</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/942759669239390208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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However, Prem Kumar Dhumal BJP&#39;s chief minister candidate lost in its constituency Sujanpur in Himachal Pradesh, which means BJP would have to choose another leader for the post.

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Personal loss is not of much importance.The gain that victory has brought to state BJP is important. Thankful to people of the state for voting for BJP. In politics, sometimes one wins, sometimes one loses. I was not expecting to lose, I will do an analysis: PK Dhumal <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Himachal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Himachal</a> <a href="https://t.co/7UrumoxVhp">pic.twitter.com/7UrumoxVhp</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/942715521652244481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Dhumal&nbsp;lost against Congress&#39; Rajinder Rana in Sujanpur, after he changed his traditional constituency of Hamirpur.&nbsp;

Congress leader and six-time chief minister Virbhadra Singh won from Arki.

In Gujarat, incumbent chief minister Vijay Rupani won from Rajkot.

Currently, BJP has won 41 seats with a lead in 3 seats, while Congress has won 19 seats with lead in 2 seats.

Currently, BJP has won 41 seats with a lead in 3 seats, while Congress has won 19 seats with lead in 2 seats

BJP is all set to form its government in both the states as they won with a full majority in both Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh. Minister of health and family welfare, JP Nadda said that finance minister Arun Jaitley and party secretary Saroj Pandey will go to Gujarat to discuss the leadership in the state. Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman and rural development minister Narendra Tomar will be going to Himachal Pradesh to discuss the leadership in Himachal Pradesh. FM Arun Jaitley and General Secy of the party Saroj Pandey will go as observers to Gujarat & discuss about the leadership in the state. Similarly Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Narendra Tomar will go to Himachal Pradesh to discuss about the leadership there: JP Nadda pic.twitter.com/nSWF2znl5m — ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017 × However, Prem Kumar Dhumal BJP's chief minister candidate lost in its constituency Sujanpur in Himachal Pradesh, which means BJP would have to choose another leader for the post. Personal loss is not of much importance.The gain that victory has brought to state BJP is important. Thankful to people of the state for voting for BJP. In politics, sometimes one wins, sometimes one loses. I was not expecting to lose, I will do an analysis: PK Dhumal #Himachal pic.twitter.com/7UrumoxVhp — ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017 × Dhumal lost against Congress' Rajinder Rana in Sujanpur, after he changed his traditional constituency of Hamirpur. Congress leader and six-time chief minister Virbhadra Singh won from Arki. In Gujarat, incumbent chief minister Vijay Rupani won from Rajkot. Currently, BJP has won 41 seats with a lead in 3 seats, while Congress has won 19 seats with lead in 2 seats.

Nirmala Sitharaman and Narendra Tomar will go to Himachal to discuss leadership: JP Nadda

Incumbent Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani says that he is confident of an easy victory for ruling party Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

&quot;I am confident that the results will be in favour of BJP. BJP will form the government and will get more than two-thirds of the (182 Gujarat Assembly) seats,&quot; ANI reported Rupani as saying.

He also added, &quot;Gujarat public has preferred politics of development, and development was brought in by Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi and the BJP,&quot; ANI reported.

Rupani also the called the allegations of Congress tampering with electronic voting machines (EVMs) &quot;baseless &nbsp;charges.&quot;

He said that the allegations were made &quot;so that the responsibility of defeat does not fall on Rahul Gandhi&quot; when the results would be declared on Monday.

Hardik Patel&#39;s allegations of hiring 140 engineers to tamper 5000 EVMs were also dismissed by Rupani.

The counting of the two-phase Gujarat Assembly election will be held tomorrow.

While the majority of exit polls have predicted BJP&#39;s win, Congress is hopeful of bagging Patidar votes and overthrowing BJP from 22 years of governance in the state.

(With inputs from ANI)

Vijay Rupani also added, 'Gujarat public has preferred politics of development, and development was brought in by Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi and the BJP'

Incumbent Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani says that he is confident of an easy victory for ruling party Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "I am confident that the results will be in favour of BJP. BJP will form the government and will get more than two-thirds of the (182 Gujarat Assembly) seats," ANI reported Rupani as saying. He also added, "Gujarat public has preferred politics of development, and development was brought in by Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi and the BJP," ANI reported. Rupani also the called the allegations of Congress tampering with electronic voting machines (EVMs) "baseless charges." He said that the allegations were made "so that the responsibility of defeat does not fall on Rahul Gandhi" when the results would be declared on Monday. Hardik Patel's allegations of hiring 140 engineers to tamper 5000 EVMs were also dismissed by Rupani. The counting of the two-phase Gujarat Assembly election will be held tomorrow. While the majority of exit polls have predicted BJP's win, Congress is hopeful of bagging Patidar votes and overthrowing BJP from 22 years of governance in the state. (With inputs from ANI)

Gujarat results: Rupani confident of bagging more than two-third seats

With 68 per cent voter turnout in the first phase of Gujarat assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday expressed confidence over its victory, and said, now, Congress should not harbour any illusion about the result.

Talking to ANI, BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain said, &quot;The way in which first phase of Gujarat Assembly elections has concluded, it seems the public has decided to make Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP win by securing a three-fourths majority. Gujarat has cleared the misgivings of Congress through its turnout in the first phase.&quot;

He said people of the state did not accept the kind of language used against the Prime Minister.

&quot;The voting has been in favour of the BJP and there is an excitement among the people,&quot; Hussain further said.

Another BJP leader, Bizay Sonkar Shastri said the votes in the first phase were clearly in party&#39;s victory.

&quot;The first phase voting will benefit our party and, moreover, the heavy membership within the party will play a positive role here,&quot; Shastri added.

While a Congress leader, Raju Waghmare said, &quot;It is a very good sign for the Congress and there are two reasons behind it. Some BJP voters are very nervous and they are disappointed by their party&#39;s performance. On the other hand, whatever the turnout is right now, the public wants a change and that change is possible with Congress&quot;.

&quot;This 68 per cent is a very good sign for our party and we will take this first phase seriously,&quot; the Maharashtra leader added.

Sixty-eight percent voters came out to vote in the first phase of Gujarat Assembly elections, informed the Election Commission, on Saturday.

The voting for 89 assembly constituencies in Saurashtra and South Gujarat region, began at 8:00 am and ended in the evening on Saturday.

Prominent candidates in the fray include Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani of BJP, who is contesting from Rajkot (West), along with Congress&#39; Shaktisinh Gohil and Paresh Dhanani.

The second phase will be held on December 14 for the remaining 93 assembly constituencies. Counting of votes and the results will be announced on December 18.&nbsp;

With 68 per cent voter turnout in the first phase of Gujarat assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday expressed confidence over its victory, and said, now, Congress should not harbour any illusion about the result

With 68 per cent voter turnout in the first phase of Gujarat assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday expressed confidence over its victory, and said, now, Congress should not harbour any illusion about the result. Talking to ANI, BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain said, "The way in which first phase of Gujarat Assembly elections has concluded, it seems the public has decided to make Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP win by securing a three-fourths majority. Gujarat has cleared the misgivings of Congress through its turnout in the first phase." He said people of the state did not accept the kind of language used against the Prime Minister. "The voting has been in favour of the BJP and there is an excitement among the people," Hussain further said. Another BJP leader, Bizay Sonkar Shastri said the votes in the first phase were clearly in party's victory. "The first phase voting will benefit our party and, moreover, the heavy membership within the party will play a positive role here," Shastri added. While a Congress leader, Raju Waghmare said, "It is a very good sign for the Congress and there are two reasons behind it. Some BJP voters are very nervous and they are disappointed by their party's performance. On the other hand, whatever the turnout is right now, the public wants a change and that change is possible with Congress". "This 68 per cent is a very good sign for our party and we will take this first phase seriously," the Maharashtra leader added. Sixty-eight percent voters came out to vote in the first phase of Gujarat Assembly elections, informed the Election Commission, on Saturday. The voting for 89 assembly constituencies in Saurashtra and South Gujarat region, began at 8:00 am and ended in the evening on Saturday. Prominent candidates in the fray include Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani of BJP, who is contesting from Rajkot (West), along with Congress' Shaktisinh Gohil and Paresh Dhanani. The second phase will be held on December 14 for the remaining 93 assembly constituencies. Counting of votes and the results will be announced on December 18.

Congress should not harbour any illusion about Gujarat poll result: BJP

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Saturday said that he decided to ban&nbsp;&#39;Padmavati&#39; in the state due to representation of women in the film.&nbsp;

The Chief Minister said, &quot;We have banned &#39;Padmavati&#39; film because the way it represents women and we respect women in Gujarat. Women are to be respected&quot;.

The Gujarat CM said that many communities had voiced their concern over the film&#39;s release.&nbsp;

&quot;Such issues spoil the environment. The threat of violence can spoil the environment during elections, keeping law and order issues in mind,&quot; Rupani asserted.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmavati-is-based-on-jayasis-poem-says-bhansali-to-parliamentary-panel-25541">Sanjay Leela Bhansali appeared in front of a Parliamentary committee </a>on Thursday afternoon to present his point of view on his film Padmavati.

While protest around the film continues, Bhansali categorically stated that he had not distorted the historical facts about the 16th-century Rajput queen in his film.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-dear-rajput-brethren-as-a-bengali-i-ask-you-to-chill-25421">Opinion: Dear Rajput brethren, as a Bengali I ask you to chill</a>

Last week, the Supreme Court rejected the petition filed against the release of &#39;Padmavati,&#39; saying the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has not yet issued a certificate to the film.

Bhansali&#39;s magnum opus, starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor, has been facing protests from various groups, especially from Shri Rajput Karni Sena, for allegedly tampering with the historical facts.

Bhansali categorically stated that he had not distorted the historical facts about the 16th-century Rajput queen in his film

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Saturday said that he decided to ban 'Padmavati' in the state due to representation of women in the film. The Chief Minister said, "We have banned 'Padmavati' film because the way it represents women and we respect women in Gujarat. Women are to be respected". The Gujarat CM said that many communities had voiced their concern over the film's release. "Such issues spoil the environment. The threat of violence can spoil the environment during elections, keeping law and order issues in mind," Rupani asserted. Sanjay Leela Bhansali appeared in front of a Parliamentary committee on Thursday afternoon to present his point of view on his film Padmavati. While protest around the film continues, Bhansali categorically stated that he had not distorted the historical facts about the 16th-century Rajput queen in his film. Also read: Opinion: Dear Rajput brethren, as a Bengali I ask you to chill Last week, the Supreme Court rejected the petition filed against the release of 'Padmavati,' saying the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has not yet issued a certificate to the film. Bhansali's magnum opus, starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor, has been facing protests from various groups, especially from Shri Rajput Karni Sena, for allegedly tampering with the historical facts.

Portrayal of women in 'Padmavati' is reason behind ban: Gujarat CM

A martyr&#39;s daughter, who turned up to meet Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani to present a petition, was allegedly manhandled by the cops as she tried to approach the CM.

A video shared by many on social media shows a young woman being pushed around and dragged away by police from the venue of an election speech by the CM.

Local media reported that the woman in the video is Rupal Tadvi, the daughter of Ashok Tadvi, an army personnel martyred in Kashmir in 2002.

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Shocked &amp; Saddened by how Daughter of a Martyr was mistreated by Police in front of CM Vijay Rupani, She only wished to meet CM &amp; represent issue. CM must immediately apologise to this daughter of Gujarat for insulting her &amp; the sacrifices of her father. <a href="https://t.co/C36cVkWtos">https://t.co/C36cVkWtos</a> <a href="https://t.co/GdefcMDmNj">pic.twitter.com/GdefcMDmNj</a>
&mdash; Bharat Solanki (@BharatSolankee) <a href="https://twitter.com/BharatSolankee/status/936533037340229632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The young woman was reportedly trying to meet the Gujarat CM to complain about her family not receiving their compensation from the state.

A local media reported that Rupal and her mother had been knocking on doors after the door of minister and officials to get the land allocated to them approved but to no avail.

Earlier, the duo had tried to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in Bharuch to seek his help, but they were reportedly denied permission.

On January 26th, the martyr&#39;s wife&nbsp;had allegedly threatened to self-immolate due to the pension issue, however, she was detained by police before the act.

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????? ?? ???? ???? ??? ?? ??? 
 
&lsquo;??? ???????&rsquo; ???????? ?? ???? ?? ???? ?? ??? ?? ???? ?????? ?? ?????? ?? ??????? ????? 
 
15 ??? ?? ?????? ?? ??? ???? ????, ????? ???? ?? ??????? ????? ?????? ???? ??? ?? ???? ?? ?? ????? ?? ????? 
 
???? ?????,????? ?????? <a href="https://t.co/w8k7TYQrDt">pic.twitter.com/w8k7TYQrDt</a>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/936603290439008258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The president of Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee Bharat Solanki tweeted the video and wrote &#39;&#39;shocked and saddened by how the daughter of a martyr was mistreated by police in front of CM Vijay Rupani, she only wished to meet the CM and represent an issue. CM must immediately apologise to this daughter of Gujarat for insulting her and the sacrifices of her father.&quot;

The same video was tweeted by Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi too.

Rahul Gandhi wrote in Hindi: &quot;The BJP&#39;s arrogance is at its peak. Rupaniji the &#39; Ultimate Patriot &#39;, the Martyr&#39;s daughter Finkava out of the house to shaming humanity. For 15 years, the family did not get help, hollow promises and Dutkar. This daughter was humiliated today for Insapha.&quot;

&quot;Be ashamed, give justice,&quot;&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi added.

The young woman was trying to meet the CM to complain about her family not receiving their rightful compensation from the state yet.

A martyr's daughter, who turned up to meet Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani to present a petition, was allegedly manhandled by the cops as she tried to approach the CM. A video shared by many on social media shows a young woman being pushed around and dragged away by police from the venue of an election speech by the CM. Local media reported that the woman in the video is Rupal Tadvi, the daughter of Ashok Tadvi, an army personnel martyred in Kashmir in 2002. Shocked & Saddened by how Daughter of a Martyr was mistreated by Police in front of CM Vijay Rupani, She only wished to meet CM & represent issue. CM must immediately apologise to this daughter of Gujarat for insulting her & the sacrifices of her father. https://t.co/C36cVkWtos pic.twitter.com/GdefcMDmNj — Bharat Solanki (@BharatSolankee) December 1, 2017 × The young woman was reportedly trying to meet the Gujarat CM to complain about her family not receiving their compensation from the state. A local media reported that Rupal and her mother had been knocking on doors after the door of minister and officials to get the land allocated to them approved but to no avail. Earlier, the duo had tried to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in Bharuch to seek his help, but they were reportedly denied permission. On January 26th, the martyr's wife had allegedly threatened to self-immolate due to the pension issue, however, she was detained by police before the act. ????? ?? ???? ???? ??? ?? ??? ‘??? ???????’ ???????? ?? ???? ?? ???? ?? ??? ?? ???? ?????? ?? ?????? ?? ??????? ????? 15 ??? ?? ?????? ?? ??? ???? ????, ????? ???? ?? ??????? ????? ?????? ???? ??? ?? ???? ?? ?? ????? ?? ????? ???? ?????,????? ?????? pic.twitter.com/w8k7TYQrDt — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) December 1, 2017 × The president of Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee Bharat Solanki tweeted the video and wrote ''shocked and saddened by how the daughter of a martyr was mistreated by police in front of CM Vijay Rupani, she only wished to meet the CM and represent an issue. CM must immediately apologise to this daughter of Gujarat for insulting her and the sacrifices of her father." The same video was tweeted by Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi too. Rahul Gandhi wrote in Hindi: "The BJP's arrogance is at its peak. Rupaniji the ' Ultimate Patriot ', the Martyr's daughter Finkava out of the house to shaming humanity. For 15 years, the family did not get help, hollow promises and Dutkar. This daughter was humiliated today for Insapha." "Be ashamed, give justice," Rahul Gandhi added.

Watch: Martyr's daughter allegedly manhandled by cops in front of Gujarat CM Rupani

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, on Tuesday, accused the UPA government of not focusing on Gujarat&#39;s needs and aspirations and flayed Congress for ignoring the needs of the state.

While speakign at the Zee News&#39;&nbsp;Game of Gujarat Conclave, he said Modi&#39;s ascent to the post of PM will, in reality, help BJP get more than 150 seats in the coming Guajrat elections.&nbsp;

&quot;Gujarat&#39;s progress in the past has been a result of the visionary leadership of Narendra Modi who was the CM of the state when Congress was in power at the Centre. Congress was only interested in hounding him and ignoring the needs of the state when the UPA government was in power,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

&quot;It is for the state and its people to see what Congress did for them while in Delhi and what Modibhai did as CM and what all he has done as PM,&quot; he added.

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&quot;We will get a lead like never before. If as CM, Modibhai made such an impact, imagine what the results would be like now that he has been PM of the entire country. Congress has stooped really low and it is sad to see the current state of the party. We are confident of a resounding victory,&quot; Rupani said, predicting the elections.&nbsp;

While dismissing the statements about traders not being happy with Modi&#39;s demonetisation and GST initiative, Rupani informed that BJP will claim more than 150 seats in two-phase elections scheduled for December 9 and December 14.

&quot;We have always performed strongly in the state and will get more than 150 seats this time around,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

Rupani became the 16th chief minister of the state after&nbsp;Anandiben Patel stepped down in August of 2016.&nbsp;

CM Vijay Rupani says upcoming state elections are a golden opportunity for Gujarat to benefit from having Narendra Modi as Prime Minister of the country. He accuses Congress of having ignored the state in the past when it was in power at the Centre

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, on Tuesday, accused the UPA government of not focusing on Gujarat's needs and aspirations and flayed Congress for ignoring the needs of the state. While speakign at the Zee News' Game of Gujarat Conclave, he said Modi's ascent to the post of PM will, in reality, help BJP get more than 150 seats in the coming Guajrat elections. "Gujarat's progress in the past has been a result of the visionary leadership of Narendra Modi who was the CM of the state when Congress was in power at the Centre. Congress was only interested in hounding him and ignoring the needs of the state when the UPA government was in power," he said. "It is for the state and its people to see what Congress did for them while in Delhi and what Modibhai did as CM and what all he has done as PM," he added. × "We will get a lead like never before. If as CM, Modibhai made such an impact, imagine what the results would be like now that he has been PM of the entire country. Congress has stooped really low and it is sad to see the current state of the party. We are confident of a resounding victory," Rupani said, predicting the elections. While dismissing the statements about traders not being happy with Modi's demonetisation and GST initiative, Rupani informed that BJP will claim more than 150 seats in two-phase elections scheduled for December 9 and December 14. "We have always performed strongly in the state and will get more than 150 seats this time around," he said. Rupani became the 16th chief minister of the state after Anandiben Patel stepped down in August of 2016.

Congress was only interested in hounding Modi in Gujarat: CM Vijay Rupani

A day after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-election-congress-releases-first-list-of-candidates-24607" target="_blank">Congress released the first list of candidates</a> for the Gujarat assembly elections, the party on Monday came out with its&nbsp;second list.

The second list for the upcoming Gujarat assembly elections includes 13 candidates.&nbsp;

Senior party leader Oscar Fernandes released the name of the 13 candidates.&nbsp;

The party has replaced four candidates from Junagadh, Bharuch, Kamrej and Varachha Road, announced in the first list.&nbsp;

The new candidates for these constituencies are-&nbsp;Bhikhabhai Joshi in Junagadh, Jaish Patel in Bharuch, Ashok Jirawala will contest from Kamrej and Dhirubhai Gajera&nbsp;for the Varachha Road seat.

The nine other candidates released are -Pradyumansinh Jadeja from Abdasa seat, Aadam B Chaki from Bhuj, Santok Arethiya from Rapar and Mithul Donga from Rajkot East. 
Dinesh Chovatiya from Rajkot South, Jiwan Kumbharvadia from Jamnagar North, Ashok Lal from Jamnagar South, Vikram Madam from Khambhalia and Meraman Goriya from Dwarka seat.

The first list released on Sunday included 77 candidates.&nbsp;

Elections in Gujarat are scheduled to be held on December 9 and 14.

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The second list for the upcoming Gujarat assembly elections includes 13 candidates

A day after Congress released the first list of candidates for the Gujarat assembly elections, the party on Monday came out with its second list. The second list for the upcoming Gujarat assembly elections includes 13 candidates. Senior party leader Oscar Fernandes released the name of the 13 candidates. The party has replaced four candidates from Junagadh, Bharuch, Kamrej and Varachha Road, announced in the first list. The new candidates for these constituencies are- Bhikhabhai Joshi in Junagadh, Jaish Patel in Bharuch, Ashok Jirawala will contest from Kamrej and Dhirubhai Gajera for the Varachha Road seat. The nine other candidates released are -Pradyumansinh Jadeja from Abdasa seat, Aadam B Chaki from Bhuj, Santok Arethiya from Rapar and Mithul Donga from Rajkot East. Dinesh Chovatiya from Rajkot South, Jiwan Kumbharvadia from Jamnagar North, Ashok Lal from Jamnagar South, Vikram Madam from Khambhalia and Meraman Goriya from Dwarka seat. The first list released on Sunday included 77 candidates. Elections in Gujarat are scheduled to be held on December 9 and 14.

Gujarat elections: Congress releases second list of candidates

The Election Commission(EC) has put restrictions on the use of the term &quot;Pappu&quot; by BJP&#39;s electronic advertisement cell in Gujarat.&nbsp;

The ruling BJP has been barred from using the term &quot;Pappu&quot; in their electronic advertisement for the upcoming assembly elections in the state.&nbsp;

The term is often used to describe Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi.

Calling the term &quot;derogatory&quot;&nbsp;the Election Commission in Gujarat has asked to remove or replace it.&nbsp;

The media committee under the Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer(CEO) objected to the word &quot;pappu&quot; which was mentioned in the BJP&#39;s script of advertising, BJP sources cited. The script was submitted to the media committee for approval.

Clarifying itself, the BJP said the script of the advertisement did not &quot;link the word to any individual&quot;.&nbsp;

A BJP leader said that they asked the Election Commission to reconsider their decision as there was no direct reference to any person with the term. However, the request was rejected by the EC.

The leader later assured to replace the word and submit a new script to the Election Commission.&nbsp; 
 
All political parties need to submit their script related to the election advertisement to the EC. The parties can continue with the advertisement only after they get a certificate of approval from the commission.

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Calling the term "derogatory"?the Election Commission in Gujarat has asked to remove or replace it

The Election Commission(EC) has put restrictions on the use of the term "Pappu" by BJP's electronic advertisement cell in Gujarat. The ruling BJP has been barred from using the term "Pappu" in their electronic advertisement for the upcoming assembly elections in the state. The term is often used to describe Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi. Calling the term "derogatory" the Election Commission in Gujarat has asked to remove or replace it. The media committee under the Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer(CEO) objected to the word "pappu" which was mentioned in the BJP's script of advertising, BJP sources cited. The script was submitted to the media committee for approval. Clarifying itself, the BJP said the script of the advertisement did not "link the word to any individual". A BJP leader said that they asked the Election Commission to reconsider their decision as there was no direct reference to any person with the term. However, the request was rejected by the EC. The leader later assured to replace the word and submit a new script to the Election Commission. All political parties need to submit their script related to the election advertisement to the EC. The parties can continue with the advertisement only after they get a certificate of approval from the commission.

Election Commission bars BJP from using the term 'Pappu' in Gujarat elections

With the Gujarat elections just around the corner, a &quot;sex CD&quot; has gone viral on social media.&nbsp;

News reports said the CD showed &quot;intimate moments&quot; between a man and a woman. &nbsp;

The allegation -- which has not been proved -- is that the man in the video is Hardik Patel, the leader of the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS).&nbsp;

Patel reacted to the allegation, tweeting:&nbsp;

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?? ???? ??????? ?? ?????? ?? ?? ???????? ????? ?? ?? ??? ?????? ???? ??????,????? ?????? ?? ?????? ?? ????? ???? ?? ??? ????
&mdash; Hardik Patel (@HardikPatel_) <a href="https://twitter.com/HardikPatel_/status/930005238991478784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&quot;This is the beginning of dirty politics. Defame me, it will not make a difference,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

&quot;But the women of Gujarat are being insulted,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

A prophecy foretold

The interesting thing is Hardik had foretold -- on November 10 -- the release of the sex CD.&nbsp;

Hardik had said then that the BJP would be responsible, and that they would do so for electoral gain.

&quot;The BJP has prepared a doctored sex CD to defame me and it will be released just before the election. What else can one expect from the BJP? So just wait, watch and enjoy,&quot; Hardik had said then.

When he was asked how he knew about the CD, Hardik had said, &quot;This is typical of the BJP.&quot;

The Patidar agitation

Patel had led the massive Patidar agitation in the state in 2015.

The Patidars had been asking for reservations for the community in government jobs and educational institutions.&nbsp;

The Congress has since been courting Patel, who has said that he will work towards beating the BJP in the upcoming Gujarat elections.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-invites-hardik-patel-to-contest-gujarat-elections-22699" target="_blank">Also read:&nbsp;Congress invites Hardik Patel to contest Gujarat elections</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-elections-cong-gives-3-quota-options-to-patidars-who-say-theyll-get-back-to-them-23775" target="_blank">Also read: Gujarat elections: Cong gives 3 quota options to Patidars who say they&#39;ll get back to them</a>

Not the first time

This is not the first time an attempt has been made to defame Patel.

A sex CD was released in 2015 also, with exactly the same allegation -- that it was Hardik in the video.

With the Gujarat elections just around the corner, a "sex CD" has gone viral on social media. News reports said the CD showed "intimate moments" between a man and a woman. The allegation -- which has not been proved -- is that the man in the video is Hardik Patel, the leader of the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS). Patel reacted to the allegation, tweeting: ?? ???? ??????? ?? ?????? ?? ?? ???????? ????? ?? ?? ??? ?????? ???? ??????,????? ?????? ?? ?????? ?? ????? ???? ?? ??? ???? — Hardik Patel (@HardikPatel_) November 13, 2017 × "This is the beginning of dirty politics. Defame me, it will not make a difference," he said. "But the women of Gujarat are being insulted," he added. A prophecy foretold The interesting thing is Hardik had foretold -- on November 10 -- the release of the sex CD. Hardik had said then that the BJP would be responsible, and that they would do so for electoral gain. "The BJP has prepared a doctored sex CD to defame me and it will be released just before the election. What else can one expect from the BJP? So just wait, watch and enjoy," Hardik had said then. When he was asked how he knew about the CD, Hardik had said, "This is typical of the BJP." The Patidar agitation Patel had led the massive Patidar agitation in the state in 2015. The Patidars had been asking for reservations for the community in government jobs and educational institutions. The Congress has since been courting Patel, who has said that he will work towards beating the BJP in the upcoming Gujarat elections. Also read: Congress invites Hardik Patel to contest Gujarat elections Also read: Gujarat elections: Cong gives 3 quota options to Patidars who say they'll get back to them Not the first time This is not the first time an attempt has been made to defame Patel. A sex CD was released in 2015 also, with exactly the same allegation -- that it was Hardik in the video.

Gujarat elections: Sex CD goes viral, allegation is it features Hardik Patel

Ahmedabad has been declared by UNESCO as a world heritage city.

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Just inscribed as <a href="https://twitter.com/UNESCO">@UNESCO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldHeritage?src=hash">#WorldHeritage</a> Site: Historic City of Ahmadabad <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash">#India</a> <a href="https://t.co/ztbb8RIMiZ">https://t.co/ztbb8RIMiZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/41whc?src=hash">#41whc</a> <a href="https://t.co/iRIMoQfAtK">pic.twitter.com/iRIMoQfAtK</a>
&mdash; UNESCO (@UNESCO) <a href="https://twitter.com/UNESCO/status/883718798464995328">July 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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It will be India&#39;s first world heritage city. Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani and BJP President Amit Shah hailed the move.

&quot;Thrilled to learn that Ahmedabad has been recognised as UNESCO World heritage city, first of its kind in India,&quot; Rupani tweeted.

Ahmedabad was in race along with Delhi and Mumbai.&nbsp;

The city had featured in UNESCO&#39;s tentative list of world heritage cities on March 31, 2011.

Ahmedabad is India's first city to feature in the list of world heritage cities

Ahmedabad has been declared by UNESCO as a world heritage city. Just inscribed as @UNESCO #WorldHeritage Site: Historic City of Ahmadabad #India https://t.co/ztbb8RIMiZ #41whc pic.twitter.com/iRIMoQfAtK — UNESCO (@UNESCO) July 8, 2017 × It will be India's first world heritage city. Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani and BJP President Amit Shah hailed the move. "Thrilled to learn that Ahmedabad has been recognised as UNESCO World heritage city, first of its kind in India," Rupani tweeted. Ahmedabad was in race along with Delhi and Mumbai. The city had featured in UNESCO's tentative list of world heritage cities on March 31, 2011.

Ahmedabad declared world heritage city by UNESCO

Gujarat amended its&nbsp;Gujarat Animal Preservation Act, 1954 Friday to make the maximum punishment for the killing of a&nbsp;cow a life term in jail.&nbsp;

The state now has the country&#39;s toughest law against cow slaughter.&nbsp;

Talking to the Indian Express after the amendment was passed, chief minister Vijay Rupani said that while he was &quot;not against any food&quot;, he wanted to make Gujarat &quot;shakahari&quot; (vegetarian).&nbsp;

&quot;We do not want Jersey cows, but Gir and Kankreji cows instead,&quot; he said.

Rupani then went on to describe Gujarat as a &quot;unique state&quot; which followed the principles of Mahatma Gandhi -- &nbsp;&quot;non-violence and truth&quot;.

&quot;This is Gandhi&rsquo;s Gujarat, Sardar&rsquo;s (Vallabhbhai Patel) Gujarat and (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi&rsquo;s Gujarat,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

The earlier maximum sentence in Gujarat for the killing of a cow was three to seven years. The amendment pushes that up to 14 years. &nbsp;

The amendment now also allows for a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh, and not less than Rs 1 lakh.&nbsp;

(WION)

Vijay Rupani told the Indian Express he is 'not against any food' but wants to make Gujarat 'shakahari'

Gujarat amended its Gujarat Animal Preservation Act, 1954 Friday to make the maximum punishment for the killing of a cow a life term in jail. The state now has the country's toughest law against cow slaughter. Talking to the Indian Express after the amendment was passed, chief minister Vijay Rupani said that while he was "not against any food", he wanted to make Gujarat "shakahari" (vegetarian). "We do not want Jersey cows, but Gir and Kankreji cows instead," he said. Rupani then went on to describe Gujarat as a "unique state" which followed the principles of Mahatma Gandhi -- "non-violence and truth". "This is Gandhi’s Gujarat, Sardar’s (Vallabhbhai Patel) Gujarat and (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi’s Gujarat," he said. The earlier maximum sentence in Gujarat for the killing of a cow was three to seven years. The amendment pushes that up to 14 years. The amendment now also allows for a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh, and not less than Rs 1 lakh. (WION)

Gujarat chief minister says he wants to make state 'vegetarian'

The oath taking ceremony of Vijay Rupani and Nitin Patel as the chief minister and deputy chief minister of Indian state of Gujarat respectively will take place today at Mahatma Mandi in Gandhinagar. 
 
Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje and finance minister Arun Jaitley will attend the oath taking ceremony. 
 
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Bharat Pandey told ANI that the group of BJP MLAs including BJP MP in Rajya Sabha Parsottambhai Rupala and former chief minister Aandiben Patel will meet Governor O P &nbsp;Kohli today to tender a proposal containing the name of Rupani and Patel to appoint them as chief minister and deputy chief minister respectively. 
 
&quot;Oath taking ceremony will take place on Sunday at Mahatma Mandi at 2 p.m,&quot; he said. 
 
He expressed hope that Rupani and Nitin will carry the legacy, inherited from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to make Gujarat a `symbol of development`. 
 
&quot;Vijay Rupani and Nitin Patel are one of our excellent workers, we have the required strength in the assembly and we also have the confidence our MLAs and I am confident that people of Gujarat will accept them as their leader,&quot; he said. 
 
BJP state unit chief Vijay Rupani was appointed as the new chief minister of Gujarat while state health minister Nitin Patel was appointed as the deputy chief minister earlier on Friday. 
 
Thanking Prime Minister Modi and BJP President Amit Shah for reposing faith in him, Rupani, asserted that his team is fully committed to harnessing aspirations of the poor, marginalised, farmers and youngsters. 
 
In a crucial meeting attended by BJP chief Amit Shah and transport minister Nitin Gadkari at the party headquarters in the state, the decision to make Rupani as the next chief minister was announced. 
 
Earlier, the BJP central leadership made it clear that a state MLA would be assigned the job. 
 
Anandiben Patel had tendered her resignation to the governor earlier on Wednesday. 
 
The governor has asked her to continue as the care taker chief minster till the alternate arrangement.&nbsp; 
 
(ANI)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

BJP leaders are hopeful that Rupani will carry forward Prime Minister Narendra Modi's legacy to make Gujarat a symbol of development

The oath taking ceremony of Vijay Rupani and Nitin Patel as the chief minister and deputy chief minister of Indian state of Gujarat respectively will take place today at Mahatma Mandi in Gandhinagar. Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje and finance minister Arun Jaitley will attend the oath taking ceremony. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Bharat Pandey told ANI that the group of BJP MLAs including BJP MP in Rajya Sabha Parsottambhai Rupala and former chief minister Aandiben Patel will meet Governor O P Kohli today to tender a proposal containing the name of Rupani and Patel to appoint them as chief minister and deputy chief minister respectively. "Oath taking ceremony will take place on Sunday at Mahatma Mandi at 2 p.m," he said. He expressed hope that Rupani and Nitin will carry the legacy, inherited from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to make Gujarat a `symbol of development`. "Vijay Rupani and Nitin Patel are one of our excellent workers, we have the required strength in the assembly and we also have the confidence our MLAs and I am confident that people of Gujarat will accept them as their leader," he said. BJP state unit chief Vijay Rupani was appointed as the new chief minister of Gujarat while state health minister Nitin Patel was appointed as the deputy chief minister earlier on Friday. Thanking Prime Minister Modi and BJP President Amit Shah for reposing faith in him, Rupani, asserted that his team is fully committed to harnessing aspirations of the poor, marginalised, farmers and youngsters. In a crucial meeting attended by BJP chief Amit Shah and transport minister Nitin Gadkari at the party headquarters in the state, the decision to make Rupani as the next chief minister was announced. Earlier, the BJP central leadership made it clear that a state MLA would be assigned the job. Anandiben Patel had tendered her resignation to the governor earlier on Wednesday. The governor has asked her to continue as the care taker chief minster till the alternate arrangement. (ANI)

Chief minister-designate of India's western state of Gujarat to take oath today

Newly-elected chief minister of western Indian state of Gujarat Vijay Rupani will be meeting governor O P Kohli today to stake claim to form a new government in the state.&nbsp; 
 
State health minister Nitish Patel, who was named as the deputy chief minster, will also join Rupani in meeting the governor at 11 this morning. 
 
The decision comes as a major twist as Patel was the frontrunner for the post after Rupani had bowed out from the race, saying he would like to work for the party. 
 
Yesterday, in a crucial meeting attended by Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah and transport minister Nitin Gadkari at the party headquarters in the state, the decision to make Rupani as the next chief minister was announced. 
 
BJP&#39;s central observer Nitin Gadkari said after the meeting that the decision was taken by the party MLAs unanimously and through a democratic process. 
 
The BJP central leadership had already made it clear that a state MLA would be assigned the job. 
 
Anandiben Patel had tendered her resignation to the governor on Wednesday. 
 
Governor O P Kohli has asked her to continue as the care taker chief minster till the alternate arrangement. 
 
Patel had cited age issues in her Facebook post earlier, urging the BJP to relieve her from the coveted post.&nbsp; 
 
(ANI)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Rupani, along with deputy chief minister Nitish Patel, will meet the governor to stake claim to form a new government in the state

Newly-elected chief minister of western Indian state of Gujarat Vijay Rupani will be meeting governor O P Kohli today to stake claim to form a new government in the state. State health minister Nitish Patel, who was named as the deputy chief minster, will also join Rupani in meeting the governor at 11 this morning. The decision comes as a major twist as Patel was the frontrunner for the post after Rupani had bowed out from the race, saying he would like to work for the party. Yesterday, in a crucial meeting attended by Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah and transport minister Nitin Gadkari at the party headquarters in the state, the decision to make Rupani as the next chief minister was announced. BJP's central observer Nitin Gadkari said after the meeting that the decision was taken by the party MLAs unanimously and through a democratic process. The BJP central leadership had already made it clear that a state MLA would be assigned the job. Anandiben Patel had tendered her resignation to the governor on Wednesday. Governor O P Kohli has asked her to continue as the care taker chief minster till the alternate arrangement. Patel had cited age issues in her Facebook post earlier, urging the BJP to relieve her from the coveted post. (ANI)

New CM of Indian state Gujarat Vijay Rupani to meet governor OP Kohli

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