Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Bhupendra Patel took oath as the 17th chief minister of Gujarat on Monday, 13 August.
Home Minister Amit Shah, who had arrived in Ahmedabad earlier on Monday, was present at the swearing-in ceremony.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan, and Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar were also in attendance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Patel in a tweet saying, "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 adminstration and community service. He will certainly enrich Gujarat's growth trajectory."
Bhupendra Patel was chosen as the new chief minister of Gujarat on Sunday, a day after the premature exit of former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani from the post.
Patel on Monday met his predecessor, Rupani, at the latter's residence in Gandhinagar, hours before his swearing-in ceremony.
"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," the former chief minister was quoted as saying by ANI after the swearing-in ceremony.
A number of other BJP leaders, including party chief JP Nadda and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, also congratulated Patel on his induction.
Who Is Bhupendra Patel, the New Gujarat Chief Minister?
Patel has been serving as a BJP MLA from the Ghatlodia constituency in Ahmedabad.
A protégé of former CM Anandiben Patel, he has previously served as the chairperson of the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority.
Patel is a member of the politically influential community of Patidars, and serves as a trustee for community organisations Sardardham and Vishwa Umiya Foundation, as per a Hindustan Times report.
His appointment has been understood as a strategic move by the BJP top brass ahead of the Gujarat assembly elections in 2022.
'Not Upset With Bhupendra Patel's Appointment': Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, whose name had appeared on the speculated list of probables for the top post, said that he was not upset over Bhupendra Patel's appointment.
"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," the deputy chief minister was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
"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," he added.
(With inputs from ANI)
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