- Wednesday, May 08, 2024
By: Shubham Ghosh
BHUPENDRA Patel on Monday (13) took oath as the 17th chief minister of the western Indian state of Gujarat, two days after his predecessor Vijay Rupani quit along with his entire cabinet. The 59-year-old, who is a first-time member of the legislative assembly, took charge 15 months ahead of the elections in the home state of prime minister Narendra Modi.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Indian home minister Amit Shah, a former home minister of Gujarat when Modi was its chief minister.
ALSO READ: Who is Bhupendra Patel, the new chief minister of Gujarat?
Patel, who represents the Ghatlodia constituency of Ahmedabad district which was held earlier by Anandiben Patel who succeeded Modi in 2014 after he left for New Delhi, was a surprise pick since names like deputy chief minister Nitin Patel and central ministers Mansukh Mandaviya and Parshottam Rupala were doing the rounds.
Modi congratulated Patel on his new role and expressed confidence that he will enrich the state’s growth trajectory.
Noting that he has known the new chief minister for years and has seen his “exemplary work”, be it in the BJP organisation or in civic administration and community service, Modi extended his wishes to him.
He tweeted, “Congratulations to Bhupendra Bhai on taking oath as CM of Gujarat. I have known him for years and have seen his exemplary work, be it in the BJP Organisation or in civic administration and community service. He will certainly enrich Gujarat’s growth trajectory.”
Congratulations to Bhupendra Bhai on taking oath as CM of Gujarat. I have known him for years and have seen his exemplary work, be it in the BJP Organisation or in civic administration and community service. He will certainly enrich Gujarat’s growth trajectory. @Bhupendrapbjp
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 13, 2021
Modi also lauded Rupani, saying he worked tirelessly for all sections of society.
“During his five years as CM, Vijay Rupani Ji has undertaken many people-friendly measures. He worked tirelessly for all sections of society. I am certain he will continue to contribute to public service in the times to come,” Modi further said in tweet.
During his five years as CM, Vijay Rupani Ji has undertaken many people-friendly measures. He worked tirelessly for all sections of society. I am certain he will continue to contribute to public service in the times to come. @vijayrupanibjp
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 13, 2021
The new chief minister, who won the 2017 election by a record margin over his opponent from the Indian National Congress, is the fourth man the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has chosen in recent times to succeed an incumbent chief minister.
In March, Trivendra Singh Rawat was replaced by Tirath Singh Rawat in the northern state of Uttarakhand. In July, Rawat was replaced by Pushkar Singh Dhammi. In the southern state of Karnataka, veteran leader BS Yediyurappa was replaced by former state home minister Basavaraj Bommai as the chief minister.
Rupani was seen as soft and ineffective and his handling of the devastating second wave of Covid-19 came under criticism. On the other hand, Patel’s selection was seen as a move to appease Gujarat’s influential Patidar community, especially at a time when the Aam Aadmi Party has made strong gains in the state and the Patidars have backed Hardik Patel, who has joined the Congress.
The BJP has been in power in Gujarat since the late 1990s.
