New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated Bhupendra Patel for swearing-in as new Chief Minister of Gujarat.
Taking yo Twitter, PM Modi said that 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
He also praised Ex-CM Vijay Rupani for working 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. @vijayrupanibjp
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 13, 2021
WATCH
LIVE: ગુજરાતના પદનામિત મુખ્યમંત્રી માન. શ્રી @Bhupendrapbjp જીનો શપથગ્રહણ સમારોહ… https://t.co/eKvghLfMzR
— BJP Gujarat (@BJP4Gujarat) September 13, 2021
The announcement of the 59-year-old leader’s name as the chief minister-designate at a legislative party meeting of the BJP on Sunday came as a surprise for many as the low-profile MLA was not seen to be among the top contenders for the post.
Born in Ahmedabad, Patel is a first-time MLA from the Ghatlodia seat, a post previously held by Anandiben Patel, who is currently serving as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh with an additional charge of Madhya Pradesh.
Patel had won his maiden seat by a margin of 117,000 votes in 2017, the largest margin in that poll defeating Congress candidate Shashikant Patel. Patel has been invited by Governor Acharya Devvrat to the oath as the chief minister today. BJP has said the decision regarding the new Gujarat cabinet will be taken later.
The party is counting on Patel to navigate the party through tough waters during the upcoming assembly elections in 2022. In the 2017 state election, the BJP won 99 of the state’s 182 Assembly seats, Congress got 77 seats.
