New Delhi, September 13:
Bhupendra Patel was sworn in as the 17th Gujarat Chief Minister on Monday. Patel, who represents Ahmedabad’s Ghatlodia constituency, took oath at Raj Bhavan. Union Home Minister Amit Shah was present at the swearing-in ceremony, along with a host of other political leaders.
Outgoing Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, who was seen as a frontrunner for the post of the Chief Minister following the resignation of Vijay Rupani told. He does not feel “upset or sidelined”. Patel, who was teary-eyed while speaking to reporters, said he has “a debt of the people” who supported him throughout.
The BJP sprang a surprise on Sunday by announcing Patel, 59, for the top job with just 14 months to go for the Gujarat Assembly elections. Party leaders told. Patel’s name was proposed by Vijay Rupani at the BJP legislature party meeting, and seconded by outgoing Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel.
Patel is from the Kadva sub-group of the influential Patidar community, and is the first Chief Minister from this segment. Party leaders said he ticked most of the boxes for the BJP ahead of the 2022 Assembly elections for which state party chief C R Paatil has set an ambitious target of winning all 182 seats.
