Rupani’s Sidekick – Who is Gujarat Deputy CM Nitin Patel?

Nitin Patel contested and won the Mehsana seat in the Gujarat Assembly election.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani (left) and deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel.

(Photo: ANI)

After days of suspense, the BJP has finally disclosed the top leadership in Gujarat. Incumbent Vijay Rupani, who was being considered a frontrunner, will continue as the state Chief Minister. Nitin Patel has also been retained as the Deputy Chief Minister.

Who is Nitin Patel?

Nitin Patel contested from Mehsana in Gujarat Assembly election. Sixty one-year-old Patel is not only a seasoned politician, but also a successful businessman.

After Narendra Modi left Gujarat for Delhi in 2014, Nitin Patel openly expressed his willingness to be the Chief Minister of the state. Although he was denied that chance and went on to become second-in-command to Anandiben Patel.

He belongs to the powerful Patidar community, but has not been very popular among the protesting youngsters of his own clan, which can work against him.

Arun Jaitley and Saroj Pandey – the BJP observers for Gujarat – arrived in Gandhinagar to announce the next chief minister for the state. BJP National General Secretary Bhupender Yadav was also seen with Jaitley and Pandey.

On Thursday, 21 December, Vijay Rupani, Nitin Patel and other ministers handed over their resignations to Governor OP Kohli as the 13th Assembly of the state dissolved on Thursday.

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