Speculation on Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel’s removal gained sudden momentum when she called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on May 16. Her supposed replacement Nitin Patel also met Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah in Delhi.
There has been a discussion in BJP circles for some time now on Anandiben’s removal, ahead of the 2017 Assembly elections in the state. Seen as a prestige battle, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP Chief Amit Shah are keen to craft a strategy to ensure that the party retains the state, according to a report in NDTV.
Anandiben is being blamed for mishandling of the nine-month-old Patidar agitation for reservation in government jobs and educational institutions. The agitation caused a souring of relations between the BJP and the Patel community - considered to be the party’s most loyal support in the state. BJP’s debacle in the November-December local body elections is also seen as a factor.
Another reason being cited is an alleged land scam, involving a firm in which Anandiben’s daughter, Anar Patel is a partner. it has been alleged that the state government allotted land at throwaway prices.
Apart from Nitin Patel, names of state BJP president Vijay Rupani, national BJP vice president Purshottam Rupala and Education Minister Bhupendrasingh Chudasama are also doing the rounds. it has been reported that Anandiben might be sent to Punjab or Haryana as a governor.
However, Gujarat BJP spokesperson Bharat Pandya, has denied the speculation.
(With inputs from IANS)
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