Najma Heptullah is tipped to be the Punjab governor when Shivraj Patil demits office next month. The BJP leadership has given a hint to Heptullah, who with six terms, has been one of the longest serving Rajya MPs.

If she is made governor, her Rajya Sabha seat which is up to April 2018 from Madhya Pradesh will go to some BJP leader.

Buzz in BJP hearquarters is that Shahnawaz Hussein will take her place if she is sent to the Chandigarh Raj Bhavan.