Was chosen as Gujarat CM after consensus in BJP: Rupani

The newly-appointed Gujarat Chief Minister, Vijay Rupani, has claimed that he was not chosen by any lobby but after a consensus formed within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) .

Speaking in an exclusive conversation with ETV News Head Jagdeesh Chandra, Rupani said that he was the party's consensus choice for the chief minister's post.

Rupani also heaped praise on his predecessor Anandiben Patel, saying her resignation has set an example before the whole nation.

"There is a tussle in almost all the other parties over power and position. But Anandiben keeping the rich tradition of BJP decided to step down," he said.

The Chief Minister also insisted that his government would try to fulfill the promises made by his predecessor.

"My government will work for development of all sections of the community. I will fulfill all the decisions taken during the tenure of Anandiben," he said.

Erstwhile chief minister Anandiben Patel, who took over as Gujarat's first woman chief minister after Narendra Modi took charge as the Prime Minister, submitted her resignation on August 1 citing age issues.

In her Facebook post, she had earlier urged the BJP to relieve her from the coveted post.

She wrote, "I have been working actively with the BJP for last 30 years and I have got the opportunity to manage several responsibilities the party entrusted on me. I am fortunate to have been offered prime positions and major responsibilities by the party."

"I consider it a privilege to manage the women's wing of the party to eventually becoming the chief minister. The party has helped in my development. I have tried my best for result oriented governance and constantly contributed to innovations while working in various departments of the state."

Patel said that she had two months earlier sought to resign from the party to give "enough time to the new incumbent to prepare for important events like the upcoming 'Vibrant Gujarat Summit'.