Speculation runs rife on eve of SMC mayoral elections

Former mayor Ajit Desai, former standing committee chairman Ajay Choksi and Snehlataben Chauhan — wife of outgoing leader of house Fakirbhai Chauhan, who is a probable candidate for the mayor’s post — appeared quite anxious, with excitement writ large on their faces.

A senior BJP leader is expected to reach Surat by 11 am with the mandate, an envelop carrying the names of the three. Last Thursday, the party had sent two observers to elicit councillors’ views on their choice of the candidates.

Though officially the three names will be announced at 4 pm, senior councillors will have a prior meeting in the mayor’s or standing committee chairman’s chamber, where they will be disclosed the names selected’ by the party high command.

If the leader arrives here early from Gandhinagar, party leaders and councillors may meet at the party office, a senior councillor told Express Newsline.