Hours after the ruling BJP selected a new chief minister for Gujarat, deputy CM Nitin Patel, who once again missed the bus, said he had seen many ups and downs, and added that no one would “get him out”. Can’t take it out” because he lives in the people. Addressing people during a function in Mehsana city on Sunday evening, Patel also said in a light-hearted manner that he was not the only one who got off the bus as there were “many others” like him.
There was speculation that he was unhappy after Bhupendra Patel was elected as the next chief minister at a meeting of BJP MLAs at the party headquarters ‘Kamalam’ in Gandhinagar on Sunday, a day after Vijay Rupani resigned from the top post.
Earlier, Nitin Patel, who represented the Mehsana assembly constituency, was seen as one of the top contenders for the post. Patel, however, said such claims have no merit. He said that on Sunday he had left the party office only after taking permission from BJP’s Gujarat in-charge Bhupendra Yadav.
Patel was not there when outgoing CM Vijay Rupani had gone to meet Governor Acharya Devvrat along with Bhupendra Patel to stake claim to form the government.
“There were many others who missed the bus. I was not alone. So don’t look at this development that way. It is the party that takes the decision. People make wrong assumptions. I told Yadavji (after the MLA’s meeting) that I have to attend this program. I myself would have given it a pass if it was not of such importance. But since it was very important, even Yadav ji gave his consent.”
He was addressing a gathering in Mehsana after inaugurating a road in the periphery of the city and an oxygen plant set up at the Mehsana Civil Hospital.
“When I was coming here there were many things going on on TV. I want to tell you that as long as I am in the hearts of my people, voters and party workers, no one can throw me out. I was in opposition for a long time in the past (during Congress rule).” He said, “I am not bothered by speculations. Bhupendrabhai is our own.
“He invited me to inaugurate his office as an MLA. he is my friend. I don’t care what people say or think. But, I’m in no danger. Why? Because of you I am indebted to your existence,” Patel told the audience.
Patel said he received “multiple threats” for his recent remarks that the Constitution and secularism will last as long as Hindus are in the majority. However, he also claimed that several “big leaders” supported him for those comments.
“I never say something that can be easily discarded. I have always acted as a shield to protect the government, officials, CM and state BJP president. I withstood all the attacks but never backed down. I say what’s right, even if a lot of people don’t like it.”
There is still suspense on whether Patel will continue as Deputy CM in the next government led by Bhupendra Patel. Both these leaders belong to the powerful and politically influential Patidar community of Gujarat.
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