Bhupendra Patel’s new cabinet with buzzy strong that many senior leaders and MLAs in Vijay Rupani’s ministry would be dropped.
There was a strong buzz over appointment of two senior ministers as the deputy chief ministers.
Sources said that appointing senior tribal MLAs and OBC MLAs as deputies is being considered along with several new faces as the ministers.CM-designate Bhupendra Patel participating in a Jain religious event recently
Two new women MLAs are expected in Bhupendra Patel’s cabinet. He is expected to set right caste and regional combinations while forming his new cabinet.
Nitin Patel has asserted that as long as he is in the hearts of people, nobody can remove him. He said this hours after the BJP chose Bhupendra Patel as the chief minister.
“There was talk in the media that deputy CM Nitin Patel left (the legislative party meeting). I am in your hearts,” Patel said. “As long as I am in the hearts of the people and party workers, nobody can remove me.” said Patel while addressing a boisterous crowd in his hometown Mehsana.
While the BJP has chosen Ghatlodia MLA Bhupendra Patel as the next CM, suspense remains over the political future of Nitin Patel and other senior ministers in the state government. Both CM designate Bhupendra Patel and state BJP president C R Paatil avoided answering questions on the cabinet.
Outgoing CM Vijay Rupani could be given a key role in the party organization at the national level.
Replying to questions about his political future, late on Sunday evening, Nitin Patel said in Mehsana: “I do not know what decisions will be taken by Bhupendra Patel about his cabinet.
I cannot say anything at present.” He added: “The CM decides this in consultation with the national leadership. I have nothing to say on the matter.”
However, sources in the ruling party said that four to five senior ministers in the current government, including Nitin Patel, are likely to be dropped from the new cabinet.
Nitin Patel went on to say: “I am happy that my friend and neighbour Bhupendra Patel has been chosen as the CM.”