New Gujarat CM would be just a puppet to Centre: JD (U)

The Janata Dal United (JDU) on Wednesday said the new chief minister of Gujarat, which would be soon announced by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), would be a mere puppet in the hands of the central government.

When asked about the prospects of a new chief minister due to be nominated by the BJP, JD (U) leader Ajay Alok told ANI, "Whoever it may be, the government in Gujarat will be a puppet to the central government, it does not matter whether Tom, Dick or Harry becomes the Chief Minister. The Prime Minister has already decided it."

Yesterday, Anandiben Patel tendered her resignation to Gujarat's governor O.P. Kohli seeking relief from her post in the state.

Patel, who will turn 75 in November, had offered to resign on Monday, and asked the BJP to select a new face for the post.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Venkaiah Naidu said the state legislature will meet in Gujarat to decide on the next chief minister for the state under the guidance of BJP national president Amit Shah.