Stepping down to give 'young generation' an opportunity: Anandiben Patel

Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel, who submitted her resignation to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) top brass today, said that she is stepping down to give 'young generation' an opportunity to work.

"Being in the BJP, I got different responsibilities. The party gave me important responsibilities in both government and the party, I am fortunate for that. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior leaders of the party made me first woman chief minister of the state," Patel said.

Patel said that during her tenure as Chief Minister she took forward the schemes and initiatives launched by her predecessor Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Senior BJP leaders have initiated a great tradition of voluntary retirement after they turn 75. This will pave way for next generation to work, I'm also turning 75 this November," she added.

She said that she has requested the party to relieve her of her duties soon so that the new CM gets ample time to prepare ahead of next year's assembly polls.

"Assembly polls will also be held next year. I requested party leadership 2 months back, to relieve me of my responsibilities so new CM gets adequate time for prep. I request the top leadership to relieve me of my duties as chief minister," she said.

Patel, who took charge as Gujarat's first woman chief minister after Narendra Modi took charge as the Prime Minister, announced her decision to step down in a Facebook post earlier today.