The resignation of Gujarat’s Chief Minister Anandiben Patel has brought things back to square one for BJP and Narendra Modi. Though she cited her old age as a reason, but it was widely believed that her inability to tackle political unrest mounted pressure on her to submit resignation. It all started with the Patidar movement, where she left it a little too late in handling the issue. Recently, when the Una incident went viral, it not only tarnished her image but it also made a dent to BJP’s fortunes in upcoming UP elections.
Some reports have also emerged that her children are getting undue favours in land deals and these things have made it worse for her. Apart from this, her internal tiffs within the party circle and particularly with Amit Shah was another reason for her decision. She was unhappy with the growing interference of Amit Shah in the administration issues and appointments of top officials. Although she is credited with bringing reservation of women in government departments and local bodies and was also lauded for her schemes in health and education, tables turned against her the moment she turned indecisive in handling the political and social disturbances in the state.
Gujarat has always been the biggest source of strength for BJP from many years now. Infact, Narendra Modi championed ‘Gujarat model of development’ to the people across the country and went on to become the Prime Minister. But, the moment he moved to centre, there isn’t anyone who can be called as a successor to Modi in Gujarat and the state was always in turmoil. As a result, the inability of the BJP to tackle these issues is turning to be a stumbling block and weakening their image in other states as well. It is ironic that the state on whose credentials he has become the Prime Minister, has become a thorn in the flesh for Modi. The only solace for them in the state is the opposition which is not making its presence felt inspite of the hiccups from the ruling party. The party has now begun the damage control mode, and is planning to make Nitin Patel as the Chief Minister owing to his former credentials as a health minister. One has to wait and see if the appointment of a new Chief Minister will bring the desired results that they are hoping for. With tensions prevailing in the state and also elections coming up in a year, it remains to be seen whether he is the best bet for the Party or not.
-K Sai Kiran
