The announcement for the state elections is likely to take place in the third week of October and many of the existing councillors are dreaming big.
There are existing and former mayors in the race too. If sources are to be be believed, there are six existing councillors from BJP and Congress who are eyeing a berth in the Assembly polls.
Most of them denied this when contacted, but some said that they would take up the opportunity if their party deemed fit.
After BJP national president Amit Shah became a Rajya Sabha member, he was Member of State Legislature Assembly (MLA) from Naranpura constituency. This is the ward of current city mayor Gautam Shah, who is believed to be close to Shah. He is hopeful of getting a party mandate to contest from the Naranpura seat.
Meanwhile there is also a roumour that many are rooting for Jay Shah – son of Amit Shah from Naranpura. But the party will not give ticket to Jay as party will not set an example by giving ticket to him, says a source. "BJP is against dynasty politics, and they will never promote it by giving a ticket to the party president's son," said one."I will not deny if the party asks me for anything," said Gautam Shah.
Former mayor Amit Shah is keen on getting a ticket from Ellisbridge. Sitting MLA Rakesh Shah is not likely to get a ticket.
Former mayor Meenakshi Patel is another aspirant for the polls. Sources said it is the reason why she has been taking more interest in state matters.
"She is likely to pitch for Vejalpur constituency," said the source. Patel said she has always been happy with what the party offered. "State-level recognition will also be welcome," she said.
Another councilor likely to get a promoted is Pravin Patel, the standing committee chairman.
Patel on his part clearly denied any such ambition. "I am not planning for the state assembly elections," he said.On the Congress front former leader of opposition Badruddin Shaikh and leader of opposition Dinesh Sharma are the ones sources say displaying political ambitions beyond the AMC limits.
POLL POLITICS
- There is also a rumour doing the rounds that many are rooting for Jay Shah – son of Amit Shah — to contest from Naranpura.
- Party sources rubbished the claim saying that BJP does not believe in dynasty politics and will not let the national president’s son claim a berth.
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 "(From left) Mayor Gautam Shah, councillor Pravin Patel and former mayor Amit Shah")
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