Vijay Rupani replaced Anandiben Patel as Gujarat chief minister. He became the 16th chief minister of the state after Ms Patel resigned. Mr Rupani is seen as a close aide of Amit Shah, the BJP president. He is the first, non-Hindu, baniya, minority Jain Chief Minister of Gujarat.
The recent turbulence in Gujarat was seen in appointing positions, as the BJP named Nitin Patel the deputy chief minister, from the Patel community. He was the senior-most minister in the Anandiben Patel cabinet.
Mr Rupani tweeted:
Humbled & honoured at the opportunity to serve the state of Gujarat & work for the welfare & all-round development of the state. 1/4
— Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) August 5, 2016
Anandiben Patel resigned on Monday, citing her age. She is 74. She tried to offer “resulted-oriented governance”.
The backdrop of her resignation is speculated as mismanaging the widespread unrest of Patidar Community and assault on Dalit groups by ‘Gau rakshaks’.