Two days after Vijay Rupani and his entire cabinet resigned, Bhupendra Patel, a first-time MLA, was sworn in as Gujarat’s new Chief Minister, setting the stage for a reboot a year before polls in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state. Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, was present during the inauguration.
Following considerable speculation about alternative options including Union Ministers Mansukh Mandaviya and Parshottam Rupala, as well as Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, Bhupendra Patel, a BJP MLA from Ghatlodia, a seat previously held by Anandiben Patel, was an unexpected pick.
Mr. Patel, 59, emerged as a viable alternative to the more apparent candidates.
Praful Khoda Patel, a controversial Lakshadweep administrator, and Gujarat politician RC Faldu were also mentioned.
Mr. Patel has served on the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority. He holds a diploma in civil engineering. He swept to a landslide victory in the 2017 Gujarat election.
This year, Vijay Rupani became the fourth Chief Minister in BJP-ruled states to be removed. His management of the second wave of Covid, as well as his working manner, are said to have contributed to his dismissal. He was also thought to be too soft and ineffectual, according to reports.
Another reason for Mr. Patel’s replacement is poll math. Mr. Patel’s selection is intended to appease the strong Patidar group, which has been angry with the BJP and backed Hardik Patel of the opposition Congress.
Mr. Rupani’s departure paralleled his own takeover in 2016–16 months before elections—following the removal of Anandiben Patel as Chief Minister.
