KEY PLAYERS

➘ BHUPENDRABHAI PATEL, 60 (BJP):

Incumbent CM is likely to get a second term if the party wins. A Patidar, he is the energetic, urban face of Ahmedabad. Has worked closely with the PMO since he took over in late 2021

➘ C.R. PATIL, 67

(BJP): The state president is also a Lok Sabha MP and a south Gujarat strongman. Will make a strong claim for the CM’s post if the party wins more than 125 seats

➘ ISUDAN GADHVI,

40 (AAP): The party's national joint general secretary is a former TV anchor. Known for his oratory, he is projected as a young sonof-the-soil leader

➘ GOPAL ITALIA, 33

(AAP): The party’s state convenor came to prominence during the Patidar agitation in 2017. Has fire in the belly, but can be impulsive and brash

➘ JAGDISH THAKOR, 65 (CONGRESS):

The state president is an old warhorse. Grounded but lacks popular connect. Thakors are the largest OBC community, with influence in around 30 seats in north Gujarat

➘ JIGNESH MEVANI, 41 (CONGRESS):

The Dalit leader faces a tough contest in the Vadgam seat in north Gujarat. Expected to draw Dalit and Muslim votes in party strongholds