Bhupendra Patel appointed new CM of Gujarat
New Delhi,Sept. 12: The BJP on Sunday named first-time MLA Bhupendra Patel as the next chief minister of Gujarat, a day after Vijay Rupani stepped down from the post.
The announcement of his name and unanimous election was completed at a legislative party meeting at state party headquarters Kamalam earlier in the day. Bhupendra Patel’s name was reportedly proposed by Vijay Rupani himself.
Bhupendra Patel won the 2017 Gujarat Legislative Assembly elections from Ghatlodia constituency, defeating Congress candidate Shashikant Patel.
Earlier, he served as a municipal councillor in Ahmedabad. He has been the chairman of Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) and used to head the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation standing committee.
Patel is an engineer by education. He belongs to the Patidar community.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated Bhupendra Patel on his appointment as Gujarat chief minister and said he will infuse new energy and momentum into the state’s development journey.
“Hearty congratulations and best wishes to Bhupendra Patel on being elected the leader of the BJP’s legislature unit. I’m confident that under the guidance of Narendra Modi and your leadership, Gujarat’s development journey will get a new energy and momentum and the state shall continue to be a leader in good governance and public welfare,” Shah tweeted.
Vijay Rupani described Bhupendra Patel as a “capable” leader. “Bhupendra Patel is capable. We believe BJP will win the upcoming elections in the state under his leadership,” he said.
WHO WERE THE CM CONTENDERS?
In being appointed the next Gujarat CM, Bhupendra Patel brushed aside stiff competition from deputy chief minister Nitin Patel, former minister Gordhan Zadafia, and Praful K Patel, administrator of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Lakshadweep.
Besides them, Gujarat BJP chief CR Paatil and Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya were also rumoured to be in the fray. In fact, as a first time MLA, Bhupendra Patel was nowhere in the race for Gujarat chief minister.
-ANI
