Gujarat elections phase 2: the big players

Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who is seeking his third term will be contesting from Maninagar constituency. In 2007 election, Mr Modi had won Maninagar, which falls in Ahmedabad city, by around 75,000 votes defeating Dinsha Patel of Congress.

Also in the fray is Congress candidate Shweta Bhatt, wife of suspended IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt.

Congress leader Shankersinh Vaghela is the former chief minister of the state but didn't contest in 2007. Mr Vaghela lost the 2009 Lok Sabha poll from Godhra.

Jaynarayan Vyas is currently Gujarat government spokesperson. He contesting from Siddhpur in North Gujarat.

Amit Shah, former state home minister known for his proximity to Narendra Modi is contesting from Naranpura in Ahmedabad. He is accused in the Sohrabudin fake encounter case but is out on bail.

Widow of the slain BJP leader Haren Pandya, Jagruti Pandya is contesting these elections on the ticket of Gujarat Parivartan Party from Ellis Bridge in the heart of Ahmedabad city.

Jagruti Pandya blames Chief Minister Narendra Modi for the murder of her husband, and expects her emotional appeal to triumph over the cold logic that favours her saffron rival.