Ahmedabad: Fifty nine-year-old first time legislator Bhupendra Patel, who was never figured in any of the speculation on frontrunners to the Chief Minister post of Gujarat, after resignation by Vijay Rupani, is all set to become the Chief Minister.
Patel — known to be a protege of former Chief Minister Anandiben Patel — was elected the leader of the legislature party after a meeting. It is believed that the he was the choice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah.
The Bharatiya Janata Party’s choice of Patel as the Chief Minister at a legislative party meeting on Sunday came as a surprise for many as the low-profile, first-time legislator was not seen to be among the top contenders for the post. The BJP has said the decision regarding the new Gujarat cabinet will be taken later.
Patel, who holds a diploma in civil engineering, also served as the chairman of the Standing Committee of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA).
Patel is also a trustee at Patidar organizations Sardar Dham and Vishwa Umiya Foundation.