Why Nitin 'Patel' as Gujarat Chief Minister?

The Gujarat BJP is searching for the replacement of Anandiben Patel, who resigned as the Chief Minister of the state recently. As per latest sources, Nitin Patel, who has been considered to be the front-runner for the job, is all set to become the next Gujarat Chief Minister. However, the official announcement will be made after the BJP legislative party meeting on Friday.

Why Nitin Patel? There are many factors. One, he is a Patel belonging to North Gujarat where the Patel agitation is prominent. Two, he is acceptable to most Patel lobbies. Three, he has a good experience of handling many ministries.

Patels, who have been backing the BJP for the last 25 years, are a strong community in Gujarat. They have been demanding reservation in government jobs and education under OBC quota. Patel leaders have also claimed that they can make or break any government. 

The OBC community last year held a rally to counter the Patel community’s agitation. They also threatened to “uproot” the Gujarat government if it bows to Patel’s demand. The OBC community says that Patels are just 12 per cent while OBCs, SCs and STs are 78 per cent of the total population of the state.

In view of the current situation in Gujarat, BJP cannot do away with Patels, so it is most likely that Nitin Patel will be named as the next Gujarat CM. BJP’s core constituency is Patels and hence it would not go for a new face. The Hardik Patel-led agitation apparently narrowed down the choice for BJP.

Well, Mr Shah cannot ignore Patels as 34 out of 120 BJP MLAs are Patels. In the Assembly of 182, 44 MLAs are Patel. The Patel lobby too has been pushing hard for a Patel CM. It claims that if a Patel CM is not selected “restless Patels would desert the BJP”.