PM Modi Congratulates Gujarat’s New Chief Minister Vijay Rupani

On Sunday BJP leader Vijay Rupani was sworn in as the 16th chief minister of Gujarat, while Nitin Patel – second in race for the position – took oath as the Deputy Chief Minister.

Governor O P Kohli administered the oath of office and secrecy at the Mahatma Mandir at an event witnessed by BJP President Amit Shah, veteran L.K. Advani and outgoing Chief Minister Anandiben Patel.

On Thursday, Gujarat first woman chief minister, Anandiben Patel had tendered resignation, citing the 75 years age cap being called for by her party among members.

Vijay Rupani was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Gujarat on 7 July in Gandhinagar.

“Eventually, the Prime Minister intervened: it was the imposed will of the Modi-Shah duo rather than the popular choice”, Mr. Surjewala said, stressing, “This will impact the governance of the State and has exposed the bitterness and division in the State unit of the BJP”.

As the chairman of the state tourism corporation, he headed “Khushbu Gujarat Ki” campaign to popularise the state as a tourist destination. He was among the first to join the students’ agitation on the call given by Jayprakash Narayan and also spent almost one year in Bhuj and Bhavnagar jails during the Emergency. The BJP had announced both appointments on Friday.

Considered to be the most prominent Patel leader after Anandiben in the cabinet, it was Nitin Patel who was the main negotiator from Government’s side with Patidar leaders during the fierce agitation of the community for OBC quota a year ago. After the meeting with the Governor, BJP state in-charge Dinesh Sharma said Rupani will take oath today at 12.40 PM.

In the MoS, the party attempted a region mix with seven each ministers representing central and south Gujarat, followed by six from Saurashtra region. The 2017 assembly polls are being dubbed as a “semi-final” for the 2019 general elections in the country. Mr Vasava was the Speaker of the Assembly, while Mr Parmar was the deputy Speaker.

Besides, Rajnibhai Patel, Vasuben Trivedi, Chhatrasinh Mori, Govind Patel, Tarachand Chheda and Kantibhai Gamit have also been shown the door. He was also the party spokesperson at the state level. Apart from spearheading the demand for an additional tax under GST for manufacturing states, Patel has also been instrumental in the role of energy and petrochemicals minister.

Nitin Patel told reporters that various geographical and social factors had to be kept in mind while finalising the council of ministers.