Architect of BJP’s election win Amit Shah likely to be party's next president

New Delhi: Amit Shah, who emerged as the main architect of BJP's unprecedented triumph in Uttar Pradesh in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Rajnath Singh as the party president.

Shah was given the charge of Uttar Pradesh, the key state with 80 Lok Sabha seats, which is also called the "gateway to Delhi."

Sources reveal that Singh has held consultations with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh over who will be his successor.

If Shah is appointed BJP President, Modi would too have a dominant say in the party's internal affairs.

Once considered very close to BJP veteran L K Advani, the saffron party's general secretary Amitbhai Anilchandra ‘Amit’ Shah became a close confidant of BJP’s PM candidate Narendra Modi.

Shah was the minister of state for home affairs in the Gujarat government under Narendra Modi, but had to resign in 2010 after he was arrested on charges of ordering a series of encounter killings by the state police.

Shah, who has also worked as a RSS volunteer, is well known for his organisational skill.

Born in 1964 in Bombay, Shah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry. He had once worked as a stockbroker as well.

The other two contenders for the top job are J P Nadda and Om Mathur.