Bhupendra, a first-time MLA who as elected the new chief minister of Gujarat on Sunday, took oath in a ceremony attended by Home Minister Amit Shah and chief ministers of four BJP-led states. Only Patel was administered oath today and a decision regarding the new Gujarat cabinet will be taken later.
Goa CM Pramod Sawant, Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai, Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar, Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan attended the oath-taking ceremony. Patel (59), who was unanimously elected BJP legislature party leader on Sunday, was sworn in as the state’s 17th chief minister at 2.20 pm.
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Born in Ahmedabad, Patel is an MLA from the Ghatlodia seat, previously held by former chief minister and now Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel. He won the seat by over 1.17 lakh votes in 2017, the highest margin in that poll. Ghatlodia is part of the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency represented by Shah.
Patel, who holds a diploma in civil engineering, has served as Ahmedabad municipal councillor and as the chairperson of the Standing Committee of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority. He is also a trustee at Patidar organisations Sardardham and Vishwa Umiya Foundation.
With state Assembly polls scheduled in December 2022, the BJP is banking on Bhupendra Patel, a Patidar, to lead the party. In the 2017 Assembly elections, BJP won 99 of the 182 seats and Congress got 77.
Highlights
I have conveyed my congratulations to him (Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel). I have full faith that under his leadership, the party will move forward, as will the development of the state. Gujarat will become a role model for all states. In the upcoming Assembly polls, BJP will win Gujarat under the leadership of Bhupendra Patel. I will keep on working as a party worker and will follow his (Patel) instructions: Vijay Rupani
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulates Bhupendra Patel on being sworn in as the chief minister of Gujarat. "I've known him for years & have seen his exemplary work, be it in the BJP Organisation or in civic administration and community service," he tweeted.
Bhupendra Patel, a first-time MLA, sworn is as the new chief minister of Gujarat.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrives at the airport in Ahmedabad
‘Not upset’: Deputy CM Nitin Patel on BJP’s surprise pick for new Gujarat CM
Bhupendra Patel has announced that people affected by heavy rains in Jamnagar district will be provided immediate relief.
Union Minister Amit Shah is coming to Gujarat today. I am going to receive him at the airport: Gujarat Deputy CM Nitin Patel
I'm not upset (on the party naming Bhupendra Patel as CM). I've been working in BJP since I was 18 & will keep on working. Whether I get a position in the party or not, I will continue serving in the party, says Nitin Patel
Bhupendra Patel is my old family friend. I congratulated him. We will be happy to see him take oath as CM. He has also asked for my guidance whenever needed: Gujarat Deputy CM Nitin Patel
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony. "I believe that under the guidance of Narendra Modi, the state's sustainable development will keep up its momentum," Shah tweeted.
Gujarat CM-designate Bhupendra Patel meets BJP leader Nitin Patel in Ahmedabad, ahead of the oath-taking ceremony today.