State BJP president Vijay Rupani is to be the new Gujarat Chief Minister, replacing Anandiben Patel who resigned earlier this week.

Nitin Patel, the senior-most minister in the Anandiben Patel cabinet, will be the Deputy Chief Minister.

This was decided at a state party meeting, chaired by BJP President Amit Shah, in Ahmedabad.

Rupani was the minister for water supply, transport, labour and employment in Anandiben’s cabinet and is the current state president of the BJP.

Earlier, there was speculation that party president Amit Shah could be given the post.

Nitin Patel was holding the health portfolio and is the state government spokesperson.

The oath-taking ceremony will take place on August 7, 2016.

After Anandiben Patel’s decision to quit was accepted by the BJP’s parliamentary board, she offered her resignation to Governor OP Kohli on Wednesday evening.

(With IANS inputs)