New Delhi :
The BJP has once again proved that it can win state elections with big margins without even announcing its chief ministerial candidates. After Jharkhand, Haryana and Maharashtra, the saffron party stuck to the same tactics in Uttar Pradesh too where it was relying heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's charismatic leadership.
Here’s a look at the contenders who may take the top job in the state:
Manoj Sinha
Manoj Sinha is an MP from Ghazipur and currently serving in the Modi government as Union telecom minister. This highly-educated BJP strategist also enjoys a good repo with the Prime Minister and BJP chief Amit Shah. Sinha is also considered the all-knowing man of the BJP who has information on each and every seat of Uttar Pradesh.
Rajnath Singh
The last BJP chief minister that Uttar Pradesh had in 2002, Rajnath Singh may turn out to be a natural choice for the saffron party. Despite Singh, an MP from Lucknow, has put all speculations to rest of taking command of the state once again, he is still a top contender for the post. A two-time BJP national president, Singh has been a major figure in the party after stalwarts Atal Bihari Vajpayee and LK Advani took a backseat.
Yogi Adityanath
The firebrand leader with Hindutva leanings is also being touted as the chief ministerial candidate. However, his chances of leading the BJP government are very slim as the party would not want to marginalise minority community due to his hardliner image in the run-up to the next general elections.
Satish Mahana
Amid growing suspense over the announcement of the name of UP chief minister, seven-time MLA from Maharajganj Satish Mahana may emerge as a dark horse. Mahana has served as the urban development minister during the regimes of Kalyan Singh and Rajnath Singh. Also, his seniority and experience add to his already impressive CV.
Smriti Irani
Smriti Irani took on Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha elections 2014. Despite she lost the election to Congress vice-president, but emerged as strong face within party. She is serving as Union minister in Modi government and could be a possible face to the top job. Smriti is a fine orator and has the ability to connect with the people.
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